Leo M. Shortino

September 1, 1919 – August 4, 2004

Leo M. Shortino was born in San José, CA, the son of Italian immigrants Vito and Rose Sciortino. He grew up during the Great Depression, where he learned firsthand about poverty, hard work, and the importance of a good education. Leo graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory in 1936 and went on to San José State University.

Leo served in the Army during World War II, then completed a Master's Degree in Education, and went on to work as a teacher and later as a principal.

When Leo retired from education, he began investing in real estate. He supported scholarship and financial aid programs for students in the greater Santa Clara Valley and often spoke about the importance of reaching out to students and their families who would not have the financial ability to provide a solid education.

Leo’s passion in life was his music. He was an accomplished jazz pianist and performed professionally throughout the Bay Area.

Leo was dedicated to investing in the youth in Santa Clara County. To that end, in 1990, he established The Leo M. Shortino Family Foundation, which supported many charitable causes during his lifetime.

He left a large portion of his estate to the Foundation to continue his philanthropic work in the community, and the foundation continues to invest in the areas he was most passionate about—education and the arts.