Larry Chimbole

Lawrence "Larry" Chimbole was born in New Haven, Connecticut on May 22, 1919. A graduate of Stamford High School in 1937, Chimbole moved to California shortly after World War II, where he served as a B-29 radio operator in the Army Air Corps on the Pacific Island of Tinian. He settled in Glendale, CA, before migrating west to the San Fernando Valley, and in 1957 to the community of Palmdale. Being the owner of a hardware store in Palmdale, he almost immediately became involved in Palmdale’s civic affairs as president of the Palmdale Kiwanis Club, then president of the Palmdale Chamber of Commerce in 1961. Chimbole was instrumental in leading the City of Palmdale into incorporation as one of the “50 Grand Men,” who each donated money to fund the process. After the city was successfully incorporated in 1962, he was elected as the City’s first Mayor. He helped bring the Lockheed Assembly plant to the Antelope Valley and was instrumental in the development of the Antelope Valley and its freeway system. Chimbole went on to serve two terms in the California State Assembly from 1974 to 1978. Chimbole served a total of twelve years on the Palmdale City Council, where he also represented the City as the President of the California Contract Cities Association and as President of the Los Angeles County Division of the League of California Cities. Running as a Democrat in a highly Republican area, he was elected to the California State Assembly in 1973. In 1974, Chimbole was responsible for arranging the National Guard Armory to be located in Palmdale. After being defeated in the 1978 Assembly election, Chimbole continued to serve his community by serving as a member of the State Board of Landscape Architects, the Antelope Valley Hospital Board of Directors and the Antelope Valley Fair Board of Directors. In 1999, Larry served as Campaign Chairman of the Antelope Valley Region of the United Way. In 2012, Larry was a featured guest at the City’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, held at Poncitlán Square and attended by thousands. In 2015, Larry witnessed the unveiling of the 1st in its series, a bronze statue entitled “The First Mayor” which depicts Chimbole seated on a bench with one arm resting atop the back of the bench to encourage visitors to sit and visit with a “local legend.” Larry was passionate in all that he did, keeping active through 96 years with the love for his Country, State and City of Palmdale. Larry sure enjoyed local politics, the many friends he deeply cared for and made throughout his life. His Family, gatherings during the Holidays with his Children, Grandchildren, Great-Grandchilren and nieces and nephews. In his last years he greatly missed his late wife Vicki. Larry is survived by his Son, Stephen “Steve” Chimbole (Teresa), Daughter Patricia “Patty” Bollman (Bill), Grand Children David Bollman, Reana Thierman (Mike), Nicole Mercy (Eric), Tina Mariani (Tim), Michael Distefano, Great Grandchildren Katelyn and Gracie Thierman, Temple, Tatum and Theo Mariani, and Autumn Bollman. Many nieces, Nephews, Cousins and dear friends. A visitation will be held from 3pm to 7pm Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at Chapel of the Valley Mortuary with a funeral mass at 10am Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with interment to follow at Desert Lawn Memorial Park.  Chapel of the Valley Mortuary, Palmdale Directors.