CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (May 20, 2025) — The weekend passing of former Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover produced swift outpouring of accolades for the board’s first black and longest serving supervisor.

Glover, 69, who had been hospitalized since May 14, according to his family, died at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center.

Glover’s wife of 47 years, Janis Glover, described the long-time former supervisor as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and public servant whose life was grounded in 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,’ she said.

The funeral service for Glover is open to the public and will be held next Wednesday, May 28, beginning at 11 a.m., at The Bay Church, 4725 Evora Rd., in Concord.

Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, who was elected to Glover’s District V last November, expressed pride in carrying the torch of service that the distinguished supervisor lit decades ago.

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“Today, I grieve not just a mentor, a friend and colleague, but a man who felt like family. I’ve known Supervisor Glover since I was a youth—he watched me grow, encouraged my dreams to become a supervisor,” said Scales-Preston said who viewed stepping into this role as his successor as one of the greatest honors of her life.

“While my heart aches knowing he won’t be here to guide us forward, I find strength in his example. We will honor him by continuing the work he started: building a future where no one is left behind,” she continued

The freshman supervisor lauded Glover for being true to his roots as a lifelong resident of Pittsburg even as his influence grew county wide.  She noted he never lost sight of the community that raised him, mentoring generations of leaders.

“He taught me that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about showing up, listening deeply, and fighting for those who need it most,” Scales-Preston added.

“Federal didn’t just serve this community; he was this community,” she said.

District IV Supervisor Ken Carlson also pointed to Glover’s years of dedication to public service in reflecting om the life of his former colleague.

Carlson cited Glover’s recent work on establishing Contra Costa County’s Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice, the establishment of the Equity Committee and ultimately the Board’s work towards creating an African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub.

“Our greatest way to respect and honor Supervisor Glover is to carry his work forward and continue to work towards his vision of equity and inclusion for all,” Carlson said.

His earliest memory and impression of him was his work on behalf of youth and his engaging youth. Also his administration of the Keller Canyon Mitigation fund and supporting nonprofits serving so many across the county.

Glover, in his own words in late April 2020, following his re-election, wrote of his personal comeback.

“Exactly five years ago today, having suffered complete renal and cardiac failure, I was given a rebirth in a marathon 16-hour transplant surgery at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center.

“On that day as one sadly lost his life, I was reborn through the selfless act of giving me their heart and kidneys,” Glover said.

The late supervisor carried forth with still more good works that marked his six terms on the board of supervisors, impacting all corners of the county.