Former Los Gatos Mayor Steve Glickman has died after a two-year battle with cancer.
Glickman, 67, served for two terms on the Los Gatos Town Council, from 2000 to 2008. During his service on the body he was known for not being afraid to oppose his colleagues on controversial issues.
—aimed at getting stranded teens home safely in town. This year, Glickman expressed concern when the program's number was not printed on thestudents' ID cards.
He also served for many years on the Los Gatos Union School District Board of Education and was a teacher at .
Peggy Dallas, a personal friend, confirmed the death this afternoon and said he would be "greatly missed."
Glickman also served on the board of directors for, a nonprofit organization in town that helps youth.
"His experience and involvement will be greatly missed," Dallas said, co-president of A Place For Teens board of directors.
Los Gatos Councilman Steve Leonardis expressed sadness with the news. "He was a consumate volunteer. He was generous with his time to serve his community ... He was too young to go ... He will be missed," he said.
Leonardis, who's serving his first term on the council, recalled working with Glickman on bringing a skate park to town, which was met with opposition. "He taught me how to get actively involved in your local government," Leonardis added.
Los Gatos Mayor Joe Pirzynski said he had learned of Glickman's death through an email Friday morning from Town Manager Greg Larson. "It came as a complete surprise and shock," the mayor said, adding that the news has also stunned many people who had worked with Glickman and who had no idea he was ill.
"He was a very dedicated council person. He always had an intelligent, analytical approach to the issues which the Council and the town dealt with," Pirzynski said.
He noted Glickman's primary focus was to help local youth have a voice and their needs addressed. "That was hallmark of his membership on the Council," Pirzynski added. "He kept that focus after retiring from the Council working with the Teen Center and always directing his attention to what the town could do to better recognize and assist the youth of the community. That's what he'll always be remembered for."
Councilwoman Diane McNutt praised Glickman for not being afraid "to stand up for what he believed was right for this community. My heartfelt sympathy goes to his wife, Judy, and his family."
Calls to Glickman's home were not immediately returned and many town officials said they had heard the sad news, but weren't ready to talk about it.
