Bo Mazzetti, chairman of Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, dies of cancer at 77
County leaders shared their condolences Friday on learning of the death of Chairman Bo Mazzetti of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians.
San Diego County leaders shared their condolences Friday on learning of the death of Chairman Bo Mazzetti of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians.
Mazzetti, 77, died Thursday of cancer, and was “comforted by his family in his final moments,” Rincon officials said in a news release.
Mazzetti, following his father’s example, was elected tribal chairman, a role he held for 16 years. He served in numerous other posts, both on the reservation and in the greater community, and was a founder of the Southern California Tribal Chairman’s Association.
He was also a U.S. Navy veteran who fought in the Vietnam War.
San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond described Mazzetti in a social media post as “truly larger than life – a visionary leader, a devoted advocate for his people, and a remarkable human being.”
San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez called him “a friend and mentor.”
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Chairman Bo Mazzetti, a dedicated leader whose contributions to the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians and Native communities across California spanned decades. His leadership, vision, and commitment to tribal sovereignty left a lasting… pic.twitter.com/2ld2Jo3gVD— Brian W. Jones (@SenBrianJones) May 2, 2025
“He was committed to making a difference, not only for the tribe but for the Valley Center and San Diego communities,” she said in a statement. “His impact was immeasurable. He never failed to have a smile and quick wit. His kindness and love shined brightly and I will miss him deeply.”
Mazzetti’s path to service began early. After attending Orange Glen High School in Escondido, he joined the Navy, and after Vietnam, continued his education at California Polytechnic University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science.
After college, he worked as the San Diego County Indian Affairs officer and during that time, he established the local tribal chairman’s association and then later, the statewide Tribal Chairman’s Association.
Bo Mazzetti was truly larger than life — a visionary leader, a devoted advocate for his people, and a remarkable human being. His legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched and the positive impact he made on the Rincon Tribe and our entire region.…— Supervisor Jim Desmond (@jim_desmond) May 2, 2025
After leaving the county, he obtained his general contractor’s and engineering license and ran his own company, but eventually transitioned back to Indian issues and became the Roads Officer for the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
In the last few years, he served as president of the San Luis Rey Indian Water Authority, a coalition of five tribes that won a 50-year-long lawsuit to regain tribal water rights.
State Sen. Brian W. Jones, R-Santee, praised Mazzetti for working “tirelessly to ensure that Native service members received the recognition and respect they deserved.
Our city extends heartfelt condolences to the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians on the passing of their legendary Chairman, Bo Mazzetti. A remarkable leader, he devoted his talents to serving his people and all California tribes. I will miss him deeply. Godspeed, Mr. Chairman. pic.twitter.com/Q1lxaxQIJT— Todd Gloria (@ToddGloria) May 3, 2025
“Chairman Mazzetti was a passionate advocate for various types of legislation to better tribal communities, especially when it came to keeping them safe,” Jones continued, in a social media post. “We worked together to keep sexual predators away from reservations and nearby areas. I will always remember his unwavering dedication to the safety of his people.”
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria remembered him as “a remarkable leader,” adding that Mazzetti “devoted his talents to serving his people and all California tribes. I will miss him deeply.”
The Rincon band “grew in stature and influence throughout the state, while providing for the
care and protection of its tribal members” under Mazzetti’s stewardship, leaders said.
The Tribe also owns Harrah’s Resort Southern California, on the Rincon Reservation in Valley Center, and uses profits from the casino and other commercial enterprises to provide government services on the reservation, along with supporting jobs and making charitable donations to the greater regional community.
Mazzetti is survived by his wife, Mary, daughter, Emily and son, Joseph. Services are pending.
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