MTC mourns the loss of former Commissioner Federal D. Glover

Former Commissioner Federal D. Glover, who retired in December from MTC after 18 years of service representing Contra Costa County, died Sunday. He was 69.

"I was privileged enough to know Federal as both a colleague and a friend," said Pleasant Hill Mayor and MTC Chair Sue Noack. 

Mr. Glover's unique first name was the result of a birth certificate error at the hospital when he was was born, said Merl Craft, Mr. Glover's sister-in-law and former mayor of Pittsburg. "To be Federal from birth, that name, he had to live up to it," she observed.

Mr. Glover did that and more. During his three-decade career in public service, bringing people together was his priority. “Besides shared values, rights and responsibility, we also need an atmosphere of civility, trust and respect along with opportunities for networking and active participation,” he said in 2020.

Mr. Glover's public career began with his 1996 election to the Pittsburg City Council, followed by a 1998-99 term as mayor of Pittsburg and then his election to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors in 2000, a position to which he subsequently was re-elected five times. His MTC career included membership and chairmanship of the Bay Area Toll Authority Oversight Committee as well as service on the Administration, BAHFA Oversight, Executive, and Programming and Allocations committees.

During his time as Chair of the BATA Oversight Committee, Mr. Glover shepherded the completion of a comprehensive lifecycle analysis to guide maintenance and rehabilitation plans for the Bay Area’s seven state-owned toll bridges as well as the development of an asset management policy for the bridges and adoption of a Toll Bridge Capital Improvement Program that identifies more than $2 billion of investment over the next 10 years.

Mr. Glover was an effective advocate for such critical East Contra Costa County transportation projects as the widening of Highway 4 and the e-BART extension to Pittsburg and Antioch, connector ramps at the Highway 4/Highway 160 interchange, safety improvements along Vasco Road, and the Mokelumne Trail bicycle/pedestrian bridge over Highway 4 in Brentwood. He also was a champion of MTC programs to reduce barriers to mobility for lower-income residents. These include the Clipper START initiative for transit-fare discounts, the Express Lanes START pilot program for Express Lane toll discounts and the Bay Area Toll Payment Plan.

Topping all these accomplishments, noted Noack, was Mr. Glover’s recovery from a critical illness that in 2015 led to life-altering transplant surgery, during which he received a new heart and two new kidneys. He continued to serve on MTC and Contra Costa Board of Supervisors throughout his period of illness and recovery. "Thanks to his deep faith, personal strength, courage, resilience and perseverance," said Noack, "Federal got 10 more years to continue a remarkable life dedicated to service." 

Federal Glover was born May 9, 1956, in Pittsburg and was a 1975 graduate of Pittsburg High School, where he was voted student body president by his peers. Outside of school, he participated in President Ronald Reagan's statewide youth commission in California, which prioritized research into significant issues of the time. 

Mr. Glover was one of 12 children, and was the first of his siblings to go to college, studying Business Administration at San Francisco State University. He then began working for local industries including POSCO and Dow Chemical. At Dow, where he worked 22 years, he served in several capacities centering on training and safety.

Public service, hard work and the joy he brought colleagues was Mr. Glover's hallmark. He could always be counted on to cheerfully represent MTC at groundbreakings and ribbon-cuttings for other transportation projects throughout Contra Costa County.

Said Mrs. Janis Glover, Mr. Glover's wife: "It is with deep sorrow that our family announces the passing of my beloved husband, Federal D. Glover, who departed this life today at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Federal was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and public servant. For over two decades, he served the people of Contra Costa County with distinction, becoming the first African American elected to the Board of Supervisors. His legacy is one of unwavering commitment to justice, equity and service. He believed deeply in the power of community, and worked tirelessly to uplift and unite the people he was honored to represent. As a family, we are heartbroken by this loss. After 47 years of marriage, I grieve alongside our children, Tederal Glover and Carissa Dorton, our grandchildren, and the extended Glover family. We are grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support we have already received. We appreciate your continued prayers and kind understanding as our family grieves this tremendous loss."

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors also issued a statement on Mr. Glover's death: "We are deeply saddened to learn today of the passing of former Supervisor Federal Glover, who served our community with distinction and dedication during his time on the Board. Federal’s leadership and tireless commitment to improving the lives of residents left a lasting legacy that continues to benefit our county today. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working with him. Federal will be remembered not only for his contributions to public service, but also for his compassion and integrity. We honor Federal’s life and the positive impact he had on our community. Further details regarding services or ways to pay tribute will be shared as they become available. Thank you for joining us in reflecting on Federal’s lasting contributions.”