John Friel, RN, a long-standing leader in California healthcare, died March 21.
Mr. Friel died two days after resigning as board chair of the Pajaro Valley Health Care District in Watsonville, Calif., according to a memorial posting on the district's website. The Pajaronian reports that he had an undisclosed illness.
"It's difficult to express the amount of gratitude we all feel toward John," said Stephen Gray, current CEO of the Pajaro Valley Health Care District and its Watsonville Community Hospital. "When the county asked him to lead the district, following its inception in 2022, John didn’t hesitate. He could have just decided to enjoy his retirement, but that’s not John Friel."
Mr. Friel's healthcare career spanned more than 50 years, beginning as a licensed vocational nurse and, eventually, a registered nurse. He worked in hospitals and spent two years in the nursing corps at Travis Air Force Base — caring for injured patients coming from Vietnam — before transitioning into leadership roles at various California hospitals.
In 1991, Mr. Friel was named CEO of Watsonville Community Hospital. He helped to launch the Pajaro Valley Health Care District and return the hospital to nonprofit community ownership.
Mr. Gray said that Mr. Friel's commitment to the community "never wavered."
Jose Antonio Nuñez, a district board member, will succeed Mr. Friel as board chair.