William “Bill” O. Passo, a long-time pioneer in real estate investment and CEO of Passco Companies, has passed away at the age of 84.
The Irvine-based company confirmed his passing in a statement but did not share the cause of death.
Passo, who began his career as an attorney before moving into real estate, was widely recognized as a pioneer in commercial real estate, especially popularizing the tenant-in-common investment concept and the Delaware Statutory Trust.
Passo founded Passco Companies in 1998. Under his leadership, the company grew from a local California retail property investor into a national leader, raising over $1 billion from investors and overseeing the acquisition and management of more than 250 properties.
Today, the company manages more than $4.3 billion in assets across 17 states, with a large portfolio of multifamily and retail properties.
Outside of real estate, Passo founded the Orange County Performing Arts Center and served as a director for both the Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts and Catholic Charities Retirement Homes.
In 2021, the Alternative & Direct Investment Securities Association honored him with its highest award, the Champion of Excellence.
