Larry Chimbole

Larry Chimbole (May 22, 1919 – November 10, 2015) was a United States Army veteran of World War II, California politician, and a member of the Democratic party.

Larry Chimbole
1st Mayor of Palmdale, California
Member of the California State Assembly from the 34th district
In office December 2, 1974 – November 30, 1978
Preceded by	Bob Wood
Succeeded by	Phil Wyman
Personal details
Born	May 22, 1919 New Haven, Connecticut, US
Died	November 10, 2015(2015-11-10) (aged 96) Palmdale, California, US
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	"Vicki" Lelia (nee Roberson) Chimbole (1936–2011)
Children	4
Residence	Palmdale, California
Alma mater	Glendale College
Occupation	Politician
Known for	First mayor of Palmdale, California

Early life

On May 22, 1919, Chimbole was born in New Haven, Connecticut. In 1937, Chimbole graduated from Stamford High School.^[1][2]

Career

Chimbole was an owner of a hardware store in Palmdale, California.^[1]

In 1961, Chimbole became the President of Palmdale Chamber of Commerce.^[1]

In 1962, after Palmdale was incorporated, Chimbole was elected as the first mayor of Palmdale, California.^[1]

On November 5, 1974, Chimbole won the election and became a Democratic member of California State Assembly for District 34. Chimbole scored 51.7% of the vote against Republican Kenneth F. Hall (then Chief Deputy Director, California Department of Finance) and American Independent candidate Jack E. Ashworth.^[3] In 1976, as an incumbent, Chimbole won the election and continued serving his district. Chimbole narrowly defeated Phil Wyman, vice president of the Antelope Valley Board of Trade. In 1978, however, Wyman came back to beat Chimbole.^[4]

From 1996 to 2000 Chimbole was a member of the Antelope Valley Hospital District Board.

Personal life

After WWII, Chimbole, lived in Glendale, California. In 1945, Chimbole adopted Harold Steven Chimbole (1943–2020).^[5] In 1957, Chimbole moved to Palmdale, California.^[1]

Chimbole's wife was "Vicki" Lelia (née Roberson) Chimbole (1936–2011), a real estate broker with Robertson Realty. They have four children.^[4][2][6]

On November 10, 2015, Chimbole died in Palmdale, California. He was 96 years old. Chimbole is interred at Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Palmdale, California.^[1][2][7]

Legacy

• The Larry Chimbole Cultural Center is located in Palmdale, California.^[8]
• The First Mayor, a bronze statue of Chimbole on a bench in Poncitlàn Square was dedicated on October 8, 2015.^[2]

Electoral history

Member, California State Assembly: 1974–1978

Year	Office		Democrat	Votes	Pct		Republican	Votes	Pct
1974	California State Assembly District 34		Larry Chimbole	35,416	51.7%		Kenneth F. Hall	28,976	42.3%
1976	California State Assembly District 34		Larry Chimbole	44,154	50.6%		Phil Wyman	43,086	49.4%
1978	California State Assembly District 34		Larry Chimbole	36,928	45.7%		Phil Wyman	43,845	54.3%