The John L. Ocampo Endowment Fund was Established to Inspire Tomorrow's Pioneers and Advance University Research in RF, Microwave and Photonics Engineering
John Ocampo’s Legacy to Continue with Donations to Support Industry Innovation, Academic Excellence, and the Next Generation of Engineers
Our Foundation's
Mission & Philosophy
John Ocampo recognized that to bolster our technology leadership, we must significantly increase our investment in the engineers of tomorrow. His beliefs and actions as a revered engineer, investor and mentor in the RF/Microwave industry spurred the creation of the John L. Ocampo Endowment Fund.
The Fund bridges the gap between theoretical research and commercial application, ensuring that future engineers have the skills and resources to drive technological progress. Through strategic philanthropy and partnerships with leading universities, the Ocampo family continues John’s mission: to inspire tomorrow’s pioneers and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
In Memoriam of
John L. Ocampo
April 5, 1959 – November 21, 2023
John Lamberto Ocampo of Honolulu, Hawaii, was the beloved son of Rosa and Francisco. Born in Manila, Philippines, and the youngest of six children, John moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1972. A curious child, John developed a love of all things mathematics at an early age; he eventually received a full scholarship to attend Santa Clara University to study electrical engineering. As a senior in college, John met Susan Mendoza, a business student at Maryknoll College in Manila. He graduated in 1979 and married Susan three years later, with whom he would later raise three children.
In 1985, John and Susan co-founded Sirenza Microdevices, a supplier of semiconductors and related components. In 2008, they co-founded GaAs Labs, a semiconductor private equity firm. GaAs Labs acquired several notable companies including MACOM Technology Solutions (NASDAQ:MTSI) and Mission Microwave Technologies. John also served on his alma mater’s board of trustees from 2009 to 2013.
While not working, John could often be found on the golf course, courtside at a Golden State Warrior game or lounging on a couch with his eyes glued to a tennis match. He loved to eat (he was not known to count calories), shop (he owned several dozen suits) and exercise (he rarely liked to sit still).
Beyond his professional success and business acumen, John could best be remembered for his humor and respect for people; he loved to make people laugh and often won people over with his unbridled charisma and empathy. If there was ever a man you wanted on your side, it was John; he could convince them of your argument, or at the very least, persuade them with his smile and genuine kindness.
John is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susan; three siblings, Teresita, Beth and Evan; three brothers-in-law, Rick, Art and Roy; his oldest son and daughter-in-law, Bobby and Meredith; his only daughter, Ashley; his youngest son and partner, Joshua and Mark; two granddaughters, Ellie and Isla; and three loyal critters, Ojo, Bruno and Leo.