Cliff Figallo

January 12, 1949 - September 11, 2022

Community and connection were central to Cliff Figallo’s life. Cliff believed people could come together to make a positive difference. He played an innovative role in creating actual and virtual communities including The Farm in Tennessee, The WELL, Salon.com, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and other pioneering central squares. Cliff leaned into commonalities, not conflicts. He was wise, fair, diversely intelligent, a notable listener, deeply curious, and wielded a wicked sense of humor. As a leader he was always a partner. If you were in community with Cliff, you will have experienced directly the good-natured spirit that guided his life, brought others together, and made a difference.

People were central to Cliff’s life and he to theirs’s. Cliff radiated warmth and authenticity.

In the final weeks of his life it became increasingly clear, as dear friends and family visited with him and sent letters, how much Cliff had changed people’s lives throughout his life, with leadership, guidance, appreciation, and humor.

Cliff marched to the beat of his own drum. He loved the times he lived in and worried about them. “Now it is in your hands. Build community. Do better. Do good.”

Cliff was born in Washington DC on January 12, 1949. He is survived by his loving and beloved wife Nancy Rhine Figallo; his four sons, Timothy, Andrew, Angelo, and Manuel; his three stepdaughters, Leah, Emmy, and Odessa; 13 beautiful grandchildren; and all the people they each love.

A celebration of Cliff’s life will be announced later in the autumn. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Cliff’s memory to By the Bay Health (Hospice) or the Sierra Club Foundation.