Anthony DiPrinzio (B.A. Political Economy ‘19) left an indelible mark on those around him and the Berkeley community at large. Throughout his time at UC Berkeley, Anthony dedicated himself to the Blockchain at Berkeley student organization and the Sutardja Center of Entrepreneurship and Technology (SCET), where his humor and vitality left a lasting impression on those around him.
Following his graduation in 2019, Anthony followed his passion for blockchain technology. He served as the Head of the Blockchain Lab at BASF Chemical Company, and later transitioned into the Head of Growth at the blockchain startup Aleo. In 2024, Anthony worked as the Head of Business Development at Provable, Aleo’s for-profit entity. Later that year, he tragically and suddenly passed away from what was later discovered as undiagnosed HCM.
The SCET Spirit: Anthony’s Impact on the Berkeley Community
Anthony DiPrinzio truly embodied SCET values. He was a brilliant innovator passionate about sharing knowledge with others, and dozens of entrepreneurs owe their start to having Anthony in their corner.
Mark Asta, Dean of Engineering said, “Anthony exemplified the spirit of Berkeley — a fearless innovator who united technical excellence with human purpose. His passion for discovery, collaboration, and impact reflected the core mission of the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology: to empower students to turn bold ideas into world-changing solutions.”
Throughout his time as an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley, he dedicated himself to numerous activities—most notably, the Blockchain at Berkeley student organization. As the Head of Consulting and Partnerships—and later as Co-President—Anthony approached leadership with a collaborative and visionary mindset. Liam DiGregorio, a close friend and colleague, noted Anthony’s dedication to leading the club as well as mentoring more inexperienced members.
“Anthony—who barely knew me at the time took a chance on me and over the next 6 years he mentored, supported and guided me through ups and downs, and most importantly became one of my best friends,” says Liam DiGregorio, a close friend and colleague.“He took so much pride and passion in his [Blockchain at Berkeley] work. Even long beyond his academic journey at Berkeley, he put in time to check in on me and others to see where he could continue to support us.”
Howard Wu, Anthony’s close friend and eventual employer, said, “As co-president of Blockchain at Berkeley, Anthony was instrumental in creating the culture vital to the operations and connections of the organization. Anthony was always a welcoming host, known for organizing events that brought builders and enthusiasts together, regardless of their background or knowledge. Anthony was always at every event and made a genuine effort to stay in touch with people. He was someone you could truly count on.”
“Anthony’s legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment, authentic leadership, and profound ability to build and sustain a vibrant, inclusive community.”
A Leader, Mentor, and Friend
In professional settings, Anthony’s colleagues will remember his unwavering commitment, strong principles, and willingness to help others. He approached his work with a certain directness and confidence, traits that allowed him to make strong impressions and connect with everyone around him.
Howard Wu said, “Anthony’s unwavering commitment was truly one of his most impactful qualities. He approached every facet of his life with remarkable diligence and a methodical precision that was inspiring to witness.”
But for many, Anthony will be remembered for his generosity, honesty, and his wit. His close friends cherished Anthony’s comedic genius and natural gift for storytelling. Nick Zoghby, a long-time friend, said, “He had a one-of-a-kind smile that lit up the room, and a levity that put everyone at ease. Whether he was cracking a joke, or bursting into song (Frank Sinatra and 80s hits were favorites), his presence was an anchor.”
Howard Wu, noted his warm and inclusive nature. “He was authentic and had a distinctive, super dry sense of humor that made him stand out and personable with everyone he met. He often found common ground through shared interests like sports, and was a natural host who enjoyed bringing friends together through events and get-togethers.”
Akash Khosla, one of Anthony’s dearest friends, said, “He was a comedic genius that would tell amazing stories, and he would often repeat them, but they were so engaging that we’d just let him do it.”
Known for his friendly and inclusive personality and ability to connect with others, Anthony’s warmth brightened the lives of those around him.
Liam DiGregorio, a close friend and colleague, noted that “Anthony was a big brother to so many. He would be there to support you when you needed it, but also wouldn’t be afraid to tell you the hard truth when you needed to hear that more.”
He truly left an impact on many, and he continues to inspire those close to him every day. Nick Zoghby said, “As Anthony’s peer, I got to see him in his moments of greatest adversity; his perseverance, determination, and positivity always shone through. He was and still is an inspiration to me in how I navigate tough times. I valued his friendship, and hope I carry his legacy with me in my relationships with loved ones today. His character and integrity are what I hope I can live up to, and his life left many lessons that resonate today and will echo far into the future.”
Akash Khosla said, “In the 8 years I grew with Anthony, I believe we became greater versions of ourselves. With a friend like Anthony, you’d always be pushing to do more and elevate your friends around you. He’s absolutely one of a kind. He made me a better person.”
The Anthony DiPrinzio Entrepreneurship Endowment
The Anthony DiPrinzio Entrepreneurship Endowment was established in 2025, made possible through the generosity and vision of Provable Inc., and on behalf of Angela DiPrinzio, mother, and Nicolas DiPrinzio, brother.
The Anthony DiPrinzio Entrepreneurship Endowment aims to support programs for Berkeley students, with a preference for programs and activities in entrepreneurship, blockchain and technical innovation. At SCET, students gain an innovative mindset, acquire hands-on experience, and turn their ideas into impact.
Chancellor Rich Lyons noted, “Alumni like Anthony embody the vitality, creativity, and spirit that help make Berkeley, Berkeley. Through initiatives like the Anthony DiPrinzio Endowment for Entrepreneurship, his legacy will continue to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship among our campus community for generations to come.”
Mark Asta, the Dean of Engineering at UC Berkeley, said, “Through the Anthony DiPrinzio Entrepreneurship Fund, his legacy of curiosity, leadership, and generosity will continue to inspire future generations to dream big and build with impact and integrity.”
Nick Zogbhy summarized Anthony’s legacy, “Anthony was a true paragon: a helpful colleague, a masterful mentor, and a kind friend. In college and beyond he was a central pillar: he helped cultivate a community of ambitious youth and instilled a resilience that’s difficult to find elsewhere. The fact that the community continues to thrive to this day is a small testament to the impact he had on his peers.”
A friend, a mentor, a life-changer to many.
A series of memories and stories from people who knew Anthony.
Note from the Interviewer: These interviews were extremely easy to conduct. Everyone was generous with their time and eager to share, in hopes to remember Anthony’s name with care.
Liam DiGregorio
When Liam arrived at Berkeley in Fall 2017, he applied to Blockchain at Berkeley (fondly referred to as B@B by its members), where he met Anthony, one of his interviewers. Liam made it to the final interview, but was rejected. Anthony offered feedback, and encouraged him to reapply.
The following semester, Liam reapplied. In the final interview, Liam once again met Anthony as one of his interviewers.
Years later, when Liam had become president, he went back through the old notes on his interview from interviewers, including Anthony.
Comments from one interviewer sounded like “This guy isn’t making sense. He clearly doesn’t understand xyz.”
Then there was a simple comment from Anthony. “I really like his energy. I think we should take a chance on him.”
And so it was settled. Liam joined that spring.
One day, Anthony pulled Liam aside and told him that despite all his preparation, Liam had not been one of the strongest candidates academically. “He made sure to make that very clear, which I appreciate,” Liam laughs.
Anthony continued, “But I could tell you had character, and we need more of that around here. I really think you should help with BD. I think that’s stuff you could take over one day.”
That set the course for Liam’s time at B@B. He went on to become EVP of External, overseeing business development and partnerships, and eventually co-president.
“You know Liam, one day, you’re going to be in a position where you’re going to be recruiting for B@B and you’re going to be interviewing people. I just want you to remember the circumstances in which you joined B@B.”
Liam did. “That defined a lot of the decisions I made.”
…
Anthony himself was true to his own identity and beginnings.
“The only thing he was more proud about than Blockchain at Berkeley (and Berkeley in general) was his Philly and Italian roots.”
Liam chuckles, enthusiastically pinching his fingers together. “One thing that was always constant was that when he was trying to make a point, he always had the Italian fingers. He’d grip his thumb, index, and middle finger together like a true Italian nonno (grandpa).” Both hands when it was really important. The team chat would humorously respond to his Slack messages with Italian hand emojis.
…
Anthony had a sharp judgement for people.
“He was always right about people. He had very good intuition for which people to back, which people to support, which people to get excited about.” Liam shares that he never would have imagined himself as the president running the organization, but Anthony saw something in him before he saw it in himself. “He put me in a position to rise and make things happen.”
During B@B recruiting, Anthony came to Liam after interviewing an applicant named Ayush.
“‘Liam, I just interviewed this guy Ayush, and he’s going to be the next president of Blockchain at Berkeley.’” I was like, ‘How can you make that assertion? This guy’s a freshman. He doesn’t know anything.’”
“It was hard to believe, and after a year of working with Ayush, I was like, ‘Okay, now I can start to do the signs of how he gets there.’ Eventually he became head of consulting, and then my co-president. And he’s become one of my best friends.”
Anthony’s strong intuition was combined with his love for bringing people together. “He was definitely a big lover. He really liked to get to know people, and had a 6th sense. I consider myself a pretty good person when it comes to understanding and reading people, but he has something different about him. I don’t know what that was, but it was very commendable.”
…
For those at B@B and Berkeley, Anthony would have advocated for more entrepreneurial exploration.
“I think the biggest thing that he would want is to see that people are still taking in that entrepreneurial spirit. He was very much one of those people that I could see starting his own company one day. He liked early projects.”
“So many founders really looked up to Anthony.” Anthony supported them as they pursued their goals, and jumped in when they faced crises.
“Anthony was a huge cheerleader for a lot of people.”
…
Liam remembers the long conversations they shared on Anthony’s rooftop, looking out at the San Francisco skyline. Anthony’s apartment was the only one in the entire building with rooftop access. They pushed away the ceiling handle to reveal a staircase leading to the roof. Liam recalls, “It was super sketchy.”
But once they were there, the world was theirs.
“There’s just a certain simplicity when you can have a one-on-one conversation with someone that just goes on and on and on, and it feels like you can never run out of things to talk about. He was definitely one of those people. Even if we did run out of things to talk about, we just sat there in silence. It was still reassuring. You’re with good company.”
“We would go up on that roof and sometimes just sit in the cold, howling wind, and just talk. It was peaceful. I wish I could have more of those.”
…
Anthony left in a way that only Anthony DiPrinzio could.
Since Anthony’s passing, Liam has reconnected with and checked in with several people. “One thing that continues to stand out about those conversations is how much people miss him and how much people think about him.”
Liam marvels at the number of people that were impacted by Anthony’s presence in their lives, remembering the viewing ceremony before the funeral. “It was late January. I’ll never forget it because it was so cold and windy to the point where people were DoorDash-ing coffees and teas because the line took five hours to get through. I have never stood in a line as long as I have stood in a line for his viewing ceremony.” Even then, it was not everyone, and more came the next day, flying in from all over the world.
“He had a big impact. People flew in from Asia for a couple days just to pay their respects because he mattered that much to people.” It was a reunion of all the lives Anthony had touched. “Even on his deathbed, he’s able to bring people together.”
…
Liam often thinks back to a conversation with Ronan, one of the founders of B@B, who told him, “You know, Liam, I don’t have idols or people I look up to, but rather people that I like to learn from.”
“I related a lot to that.” When asked at school to write about his hero, it never felt quite right. “To define someone as a hero always felt like such a high bar.”
Liam does not believe in finding one person to imitate. Rather, everyone has to create their own path.
“But if I had to pick one person, it would be Anthony. He was somebody that I could always count on. He was somebody that I can always have a hard conversation with. I could always have a supporter behind me, but I could also always ensure that whatever he told me was the honest truth, and not just something to appeal or appease me. He was somebody that got me through a lot of hard times, and who I also celebrated a lot of good times with.”
“It’s very hard to always be able to rely on one single person all the time, but he was that person for me. Any single time I needed somebody to talk to, he was there.”
“He was somebody that I could always, always count on and he’ll be missed for a very long time.”
Nick Zoghby
Nick was also interviewed by Anthony during the Blockchain at Berkeley recruiting process.
“Scary on the outside, but soft on the inside.”
Anthony’s integrity, voice, and conviction made him a leader that was easy to follow. People knew that if he made a decision, it didn’t come from impulse or ego, but a sincere belief of what was best for the organization. And when Anthony said he would get something done, he did.
At the same time, he brought his humor to late work nights. “He would add levity to any situation.”
“A lot of his lessons really resonate through time.” Nick recalls how Anthony carried himself, and how he treated others—including those he did not particularly like. “As a friend, I’d get firsthand knowledge of what he was going through and what was stressing him out. But he always treated people courteously, regardless of what he thought of them and regardless of how they had positively or negatively impacted him. That’s something I respected at the time and still remember to this day.”
Even under stress, Anthony had a strong resolve. “In the face of adversity, he would still do the hard thing. Even when he didn’t want to, even though he found it hard or taxing.”
…
“Incredibly reliable. Incredibly. You wanted him around.”
As a friend, Anthony could always be trusted, and was someone to make memories with—whether it was making inside jokes, working late into the night, playing video games, or singing to old, obscure 80s Japanese pop.
“The thing that touches my heart whenever I think about him is his delight and his curiosity in discovering new things.”
To Nick, the music that embodies Anthony is a mix of 80s pop, Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, “New York, New York” (“a big hit that he would often sing in the shower”), and “Plastic Love” by Mariya Takeuchi.
“You would see him every day and it was a pleasure. It just felt right.”
…
Anthony’s experience and levelheadedness made him a trusted confidant. “He was someone to lean on. He was someone that I could trust to give me a straight answer, give me good advice.”
Anthony constantly sought to pour energy into helping others. “He really loved nourishing the B@B community, and kept giving even after college.”
…
Anthony was someone who persevered.
“He unlocked a lot of doors, not just for himself, but for those around him. I think the brave aspect here is especially relevant because he had his moments of adversity too.” Nick doesn’t use the word “brave” lightly. To Nick, it only applies to people who take action despite being scared, stressed, or anxious about it. Anthony had a lot of brave moments.
“He had this weird insecurity about being non-technical when everybody around him was technical. But he was able to achieve so much despite that. Maybe in a sense, it drove him to those achievements. That’s a big testament to how he went about life.”
Anthony met that tension head-on. He became an inspiration to both non-technical and technical people.
“It’s the type of character he was naturally: a force of nature who wouldn’t take no for an answer, who cared deeply about those around him, and who had those around him care deeply for him as well.”
At a conference in Lisbon, Anthony was a speaker amongst a panel of doctors and executives. Nick remembers how stressed Anthony was. “But that really drove him to do the best late into the night, and he absolutely killed it on the panel the next day.”
…
Starting Blockchain at Berkeley at the time they did was a risky move. In 2016, blockchain was not well-known.
“We weren’t in it for financial gain necessarily. We were in it because it was interesting as a technology. This was at a time where nobody else believed in it. Nobody at the university cared about blockchain.”
Nick explains that they had to take a massive bet to skip classes to invest time into learning about blockchain. “We found blockchain really fascinating. There were ideological, economic, and philosophical elements to it. We would spend a lot of time digging into research that was incredibly niche. Especially for Anthony, who was not technical, this was something that he himself believed deeply in.”
“That’s Anthony’s legacy. The ability to believe in something so deeply, even though everybody else tells you you’re wrong. To be able to face that challenge, rise to it, and continue to dig your heels in. It set the pace of not just his career, but all of our careers.”
Today, hundreds have passed through B@B and gone to become founders, venture capitalists, and builders.
“Each and every time I’m like, ‘Wow. This all happened because Anthony took a bet and believed in himself and those around him.’”
Being a force of nature is important, but taking a risk when nobody else believes in you is a defining quality.
Akash Khosla
Akash, co-founder of Blockchain at Berkeley, met Anthony at a time where blockchain still felt unformed. “Fintech wasn’t really a proper industry back then,” he recalls.
“The people that were into tech wanted to follow a trend. A lot of people churned. Understandably, because at the time, the markets weren’t initially doing crazy well, and it was a new time. But Anthony stuck through it all pretty consistently.”
When Akash interviewed Anthony, Akash remembers someone a little nervous, and unsure of what to expect. Since then, there has been a lot of change.
“He went from being a bit of a shyer introvert and started to be someone that had clear leadership skills and authority. People would listen to him.”
Anthony’s voice was clear both in karaoke and meetings. “He’s really good at grabbing the attention of the room. That’s not something that you would see often in tech circles.”
After the founders graduated and others moved on, Blockchain at Berkeley faced a risk of discontinuation. Akash and Anthony were both in their final semesters.
“It was an uncertain moment. We weren’t sure that the organization was going to continue.”
Anthony stepped in.
“Anthony was more the messiah type. He’s definitely the charismatic leader. He was the one who stepped up when no one else would.”
Everyone understood that being president of an organization demands a high number of hours, and no one was willing to take over the commitment. “The time commitment was always pretty brutal. He really made a lot of sacrifices to kind of make it work. He stepped up, single-handedly at first, then he brought in other people for support.”
Akash became one of the interim supporters to help keep the organization afloat until there were others to step in.
“Anthony was more than happy to just come back and step in. On top of that, he would actually come back years later to check on how things are going.”
Even after moving out of California, Anthony kept reaching back to check in on things. “He would hit me up, ‘Hey, you wanna check in on how things are going?’ I’ll be like, ‘Sure, man, let’s let’s do it.’ He was very contagious. He was very dedicated to keeping things he loved, and nurtured them to make them thrive. He probably would have been a really good father in that sense.”
“He was a very positive influence. It’s always a positive activity and you would benefit from following along with him.”
…
Anthony had an entrepreneurial way of moving through the world. He trusted his own judgement, was ready to question convention, and created his own opportunities.
“He’s very ethical. There were lines he would never cross.” When conflict arose between mutual friends, Anthony would step in and say, ‘Hey. I don’t think you’re being fair. You gotta stop talking like that.’”
“He’s a bit of a maverick. At Berkeley, he got really comfortable being uncomfortable.”
When Anthony had an opinion that most of the crowd wouldn’t agree with, he’d voice it. “He welcomed it. He’s a big proponent of free speech. He really valued the idea of truth.” In the search for truth, Anthony was willing to ask uncomfortable questions and debate others.
That instinct to think for himself and carve his own path also translated into his career building. Anthony not only had interesting and unconventional jobs, but sought them out in non-traditional ways. “He would talk to people doing interesting things and land a cool job.”
…
The friend group took pride in its diversity. “We’re not the same people at all. We’re totally different.”
“We hang out periodically, like good, old friends do.” Often, they’ll hear a song or encounter an experience, which will make them think “Dude, this is definitely something Anthony would like.”
“There’ll always be reminders. Anthony definitely shaped our lives permanently. I think all of us have a bit of him in our personalities.”
Anthony’s positive attributes have become traits they look for in new people: honesty, down to earth, a big heart, humor, loyalty, and generosity.
“Our new friends mirror our old friends in some ways. Maybe it’s by accident, but we also know that it’s somewhat intentional.”
Anthony’s influence exists not only in memory, but the standards that have been left behind: core values, work ethic, ethics, and how they care for others.
“If you were friends with him, he really made you feel that you’re friends with him. That was very clear. You would never feel like you’re alone at all.”
Anthony has become “an anchor point for friendship.”
“I see it as sacred. It really defines how I try to make friends and meet new people.”
Anthony was a role model for countless people, and he continues to be a guiding light. He embodied and gave new meaning to trustworthiness, leadership, and friendship.
His entrepreneurial spirit, courage to create his own path, and sincere generosity toward those around him are proudly honored through the Anthony DiPrinzio Endowment for Entrepreneurship.
Anthony opened doors, inspired confidence, and challenged others to dream bigger. Anthony is remembered with deep respect, and his legacy will continue to inspire and empower generations to come.
This piece is a collaborative article, with the opening section written by Sienna Lam, and the second section featuring interviews written by Wendy Zeng.
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Anthony DiPrinzio (B.A. Political Economy ‘19) left an indelible mark on those around him and the Berkeley community at large. Throughout his time at UC Berkeley, Anthony dedicated himself to the Blockchain at Berkeley student organization and the Sutardja Center of Entrepreneurship and Technology (SCET), where his humor and vitality left a lasting impression on those around him.
Following his graduation in 2019, Anthony followed his passion for blockchain technology. He served as the Head of the Blockchain Lab at BASF Chemical Company, and later transitioned into the Head of Growth at the blockchain startup Aleo. In 2024, Anthony worked as the Head of Business Development at Provable, Aleo’s for-profit entity. Later that year, he tragically and suddenly passed away from what was later discovered as undiagnosed HCM.
The SCET Spirit: Anthony’s Impact on the Berkeley Community
Anthony DiPrinzio truly embodied SCET values. He was a brilliant innovator passionate about sharing knowledge with others, and dozens of entrepreneurs owe their start to having Anthony in their corner.
Mark Asta, Dean of Engineering said, “Anthony exemplified the spirit of Berkeley — a fearless innovator who united technical excellence with human purpose. His passion for discovery, collaboration, and impact reflected the core mission of the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology: to empower students to turn bold ideas into world-changing solutions.”
Throughout his time as an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley, he dedicated himself to numerous activities—most notably, the Blockchain at Berkeley student organization. As the Head of Consulting and Partnerships—and later as Co-President—Anthony approached leadership with a collaborative and visionary mindset. Liam DiGregorio, a close friend and colleague, noted Anthony’s dedication to leading the club as well as mentoring more inexperienced members.
“Anthony—who barely knew me at the time took a chance on me and over the next 6 years he mentored, supported and guided me through ups and downs, and most importantly became one of my best friends,” says Liam DiGregorio, a close friend and colleague.“He took so much pride and passion in his [Blockchain at Berkeley] work. Even long beyond his academic journey at Berkeley, he put in time to check in on me and others to see where he could continue to support us.”
Howard Wu, Anthony’s close friend and eventual employer, said, “As co-president of Blockchain at Berkeley, Anthony was instrumental in creating the culture vital to the operations and connections of the organization. Anthony was always a welcoming host, known for organizing events that brought builders and enthusiasts together, regardless of their background or knowledge. Anthony was always at every event and made a genuine effort to stay in touch with people. He was someone you could truly count on.”
“Anthony’s legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment, authentic leadership, and profound ability to build and sustain a vibrant, inclusive community.”
A Leader, Mentor, and Friend
In professional settings, Anthony’s colleagues will remember his unwavering commitment, strong principles, and willingness to help others. He approached his work with a certain directness and confidence, traits that allowed him to make strong impressions and connect with everyone around him.
Howard Wu said, “Anthony’s unwavering commitment was truly one of his most impactful qualities. He approached every facet of his life with remarkable diligence and a methodical precision that was inspiring to witness.”
But for many, Anthony will be remembered for his generosity, honesty, and his wit. His close friends cherished Anthony’s comedic genius and natural gift for storytelling. Nick Zoghby, a long-time friend, said, “He had a one-of-a-kind smile that lit up the room, and a levity that put everyone at ease. Whether he was cracking a joke, or bursting into song (Frank Sinatra and 80s hits were favorites), his presence was an anchor.”
Howard Wu, noted his warm and inclusive nature. “He was authentic and had a distinctive, super dry sense of humor that made him stand out and personable with everyone he met. He often found common ground through shared interests like sports, and was a natural host who enjoyed bringing friends together through events and get-togethers.”
Akash Khosla, one of Anthony’s dearest friends, said, “He was a comedic genius that would tell amazing stories, and he would often repeat them, but they were so engaging that we’d just let him do it.”
Known for his friendly and inclusive personality and ability to connect with others, Anthony’s warmth brightened the lives of those around him.
Liam DiGregorio, a close friend and colleague, noted that “Anthony was a big brother to so many. He would be there to support you when you needed it, but also wouldn’t be afraid to tell you the hard truth when you needed to hear that more.”
He truly left an impact on many, and he continues to inspire those close to him every day. Nick Zoghby said, “As Anthony’s peer, I got to see him in his moments of greatest adversity; his perseverance, determination, and positivity always shone through. He was and still is an inspiration to me in how I navigate tough times. I valued his friendship, and hope I carry his legacy with me in my relationships with loved ones today. His character and integrity are what I hope I can live up to, and his life left many lessons that resonate today and will echo far into the future.”
Akash Khosla said, “In the 8 years I grew with Anthony, I believe we became greater versions of ourselves. With a friend like Anthony, you’d always be pushing to do more and elevate your friends around you. He’s absolutely one of a kind. He made me a better person.”
The Anthony DiPrinzio Entrepreneurship Endowment
The Anthony DiPrinzio Entrepreneurship Endowment was established in 2025, made possible through the generosity and vision of Provable Inc., and on behalf of Angela DiPrinzio, mother, and Nicolas DiPrinzio, brother.
The Anthony DiPrinzio Entrepreneurship Endowment aims to support programs for Berkeley students, with a preference for programs and activities in entrepreneurship, blockchain and technical innovation. At SCET, students gain an innovative mindset, acquire hands-on experience, and turn their ideas into impact.
Chancellor Rich Lyons noted, “Alumni like Anthony embody the vitality, creativity, and spirit that help make Berkeley, Berkeley. Through initiatives like the Anthony DiPrinzio Endowment for Entrepreneurship, his legacy will continue to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship among our campus community for generations to come.”
Mark Asta, the Dean of Engineering at UC Berkeley, said, “Through the Anthony DiPrinzio Entrepreneurship Fund, his legacy of curiosity, leadership, and generosity will continue to inspire future generations to dream big and build with impact and integrity.”
Nick Zogbhy summarized Anthony’s legacy, “Anthony was a true paragon: a helpful colleague, a masterful mentor, and a kind friend. In college and beyond he was a central pillar: he helped cultivate a community of ambitious youth and instilled a resilience that’s difficult to find elsewhere. The fact that the community continues to thrive to this day is a small testament to the impact he had on his peers.”
A friend, a mentor, a life-changer to many.
A series of memories and stories from people who knew Anthony.
Note from the Interviewer: These interviews were extremely easy to conduct. Everyone was generous with their time and eager to share, in hopes to remember Anthony’s name with care.
Liam DiGregorio
When Liam arrived at Berkeley in Fall 2017, he applied to Blockchain at Berkeley (fondly referred to as B@B by its members), where he met Anthony, one of his interviewers. Liam made it to the final interview, but was rejected. Anthony offered feedback, and encouraged him to reapply.
The following semester, Liam reapplied. In the final interview, Liam once again met Anthony as one of his interviewers.
Years later, when Liam had become president, he went back through the old notes on his interview from interviewers, including Anthony.
Comments from one interviewer sounded like “This guy isn’t making sense. He clearly doesn’t understand xyz.”
Then there was a simple comment from Anthony. “I really like his energy. I think we should take a chance on him.”
And so it was settled. Liam joined that spring.
One day, Anthony pulled Liam aside and told him that despite all his preparation, Liam had not been one of the strongest candidates academically. “He made sure to make that very clear, which I appreciate,” Liam laughs.
Anthony continued, “But I could tell you had character, and we need more of that around here. I really think you should help with BD. I think that’s stuff you could take over one day.”
That set the course for Liam’s time at B@B. He went on to become EVP of External, overseeing business development and partnerships, and eventually co-president.
“You know Liam, one day, you’re going to be in a position where you’re going to be recruiting for B@B and you’re going to be interviewing people. I just want you to remember the circumstances in which you joined B@B.”
Liam did. “That defined a lot of the decisions I made.”
…
Anthony himself was true to his own identity and beginnings.
“The only thing he was more proud about than Blockchain at Berkeley (and Berkeley in general) was his Philly and Italian roots.”
Liam chuckles, enthusiastically pinching his fingers together. “One thing that was always constant was that when he was trying to make a point, he always had the Italian fingers. He’d grip his thumb, index, and middle finger together like a true Italian nonno (grandpa).” Both hands when it was really important. The team chat would humorously respond to his Slack messages with Italian hand emojis.
…
Anthony had a sharp judgement for people.
“He was always right about people. He had very good intuition for which people to back, which people to support, which people to get excited about.” Liam shares that he never would have imagined himself as the president running the organization, but Anthony saw something in him before he saw it in himself. “He put me in a position to rise and make things happen.”
During B@B recruiting, Anthony came to Liam after interviewing an applicant named Ayush.
“‘Liam, I just interviewed this guy Ayush, and he’s going to be the next president of Blockchain at Berkeley.’” I was like, ‘How can you make that assertion? This guy’s a freshman. He doesn’t know anything.’”
“It was hard to believe, and after a year of working with Ayush, I was like, ‘Okay, now I can start to do the signs of how he gets there.’ Eventually he became head of consulting, and then my co-president. And he’s become one of my best friends.”
Anthony’s strong intuition was combined with his love for bringing people together. “He was definitely a big lover. He really liked to get to know people, and had a 6th sense. I consider myself a pretty good person when it comes to understanding and reading people, but he has something different about him. I don’t know what that was, but it was very commendable.”
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For those at B@B and Berkeley, Anthony would have advocated for more entrepreneurial exploration.
“I think the biggest thing that he would want is to see that people are still taking in that entrepreneurial spirit. He was very much one of those people that I could see starting his own company one day. He liked early projects.”
“So many founders really looked up to Anthony.” Anthony supported them as they pursued their goals, and jumped in when they faced crises.
“Anthony was a huge cheerleader for a lot of people.”
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Liam remembers the long conversations they shared on Anthony’s rooftop, looking out at the San Francisco skyline. Anthony’s apartment was the only one in the entire building with rooftop access. They pushed away the ceiling handle to reveal a staircase leading to the roof. Liam recalls, “It was super sketchy.”
But once they were there, the world was theirs.
“There’s just a certain simplicity when you can have a one-on-one conversation with someone that just goes on and on and on, and it feels like you can never run out of things to talk about. He was definitely one of those people. Even if we did run out of things to talk about, we just sat there in silence. It was still reassuring. You’re with good company.”
“We would go up on that roof and sometimes just sit in the cold, howling wind, and just talk. It was peaceful. I wish I could have more of those.”
…
Anthony left in a way that only Anthony DiPrinzio could.
Since Anthony’s passing, Liam has reconnected with and checked in with several people. “One thing that continues to stand out about those conversations is how much people miss him and how much people think about him.”
Liam marvels at the number of people that were impacted by Anthony’s presence in their lives, remembering the viewing ceremony before the funeral. “It was late January. I’ll never forget it because it was so cold and windy to the point where people were DoorDash-ing coffees and teas because the line took five hours to get through. I have never stood in a line as long as I have stood in a line for his viewing ceremony.” Even then, it was not everyone, and more came the next day, flying in from all over the world.
“He had a big impact. People flew in from Asia for a couple days just to pay their respects because he mattered that much to people.” It was a reunion of all the lives Anthony had touched. “Even on his deathbed, he’s able to bring people together.”
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Liam often thinks back to a conversation with Ronan, one of the founders of B@B, who told him, “You know, Liam, I don’t have idols or people I look up to, but rather people that I like to learn from.”
“I related a lot to that.” When asked at school to write about his hero, it never felt quite right. “To define someone as a hero always felt like such a high bar.”
Liam does not believe in finding one person to imitate. Rather, everyone has to create their own path.
“But if I had to pick one person, it would be Anthony. He was somebody that I could always count on. He was somebody that I can always have a hard conversation with. I could always have a supporter behind me, but I could also always ensure that whatever he told me was the honest truth, and not just something to appeal or appease me. He was somebody that got me through a lot of hard times, and who I also celebrated a lot of good times with.”
“It’s very hard to always be able to rely on one single person all the time, but he was that person for me. Any single time I needed somebody to talk to, he was there.”
“He was somebody that I could always, always count on and he’ll be missed for a very long time.”
Nick Zoghby
Nick was also interviewed by Anthony during the Blockchain at Berkeley recruiting process.
“Scary on the outside, but soft on the inside.”
Anthony’s integrity, voice, and conviction made him a leader that was easy to follow. People knew that if he made a decision, it didn’t come from impulse or ego, but a sincere belief of what was best for the organization. And when Anthony said he would get something done, he did.
At the same time, he brought his humor to late work nights. “He would add levity to any situation.”
“A lot of his lessons really resonate through time.” Nick recalls how Anthony carried himself, and how he treated others—including those he did not particularly like. “As a friend, I’d get firsthand knowledge of what he was going through and what was stressing him out. But he always treated people courteously, regardless of what he thought of them and regardless of how they had positively or negatively impacted him. That’s something I respected at the time and still remember to this day.”
Even under stress, Anthony had a strong resolve. “In the face of adversity, he would still do the hard thing. Even when he didn’t want to, even though he found it hard or taxing.”
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“Incredibly reliable. Incredibly. You wanted him around.”
As a friend, Anthony could always be trusted, and was someone to make memories with—whether it was making inside jokes, working late into the night, playing video games, or singing to old, obscure 80s Japanese pop.
“The thing that touches my heart whenever I think about him is his delight and his curiosity in discovering new things.”
To Nick, the music that embodies Anthony is a mix of 80s pop, Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, “New York, New York” (“a big hit that he would often sing in the shower”), and “Plastic Love” by Mariya Takeuchi.
“You would see him every day and it was a pleasure. It just felt right.”
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Anthony’s experience and levelheadedness made him a trusted confidant. “He was someone to lean on. He was someone that I could trust to give me a straight answer, give me good advice.”
Anthony constantly sought to pour energy into helping others. “He really loved nourishing the B@B community, and kept giving even after college.”
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Anthony was someone who persevered.
“He unlocked a lot of doors, not just for himself, but for those around him. I think the brave aspect here is especially relevant because he had his moments of adversity too.” Nick doesn’t use the word “brave” lightly. To Nick, it only applies to people who take action despite being scared, stressed, or anxious about it. Anthony had a lot of brave moments.
“He had this weird insecurity about being non-technical when everybody around him was technical. But he was able to achieve so much despite that. Maybe in a sense, it drove him to those achievements. That’s a big testament to how he went about life.”
Anthony met that tension head-on. He became an inspiration to both non-technical and technical people.
“It’s the type of character he was naturally: a force of nature who wouldn’t take no for an answer, who cared deeply about those around him, and who had those around him care deeply for him as well.”
At a conference in Lisbon, Anthony was a speaker amongst a panel of doctors and executives. Nick remembers how stressed Anthony was. “But that really drove him to do the best late into the night, and he absolutely killed it on the panel the next day.”
…
Starting Blockchain at Berkeley at the time they did was a risky move. In 2016, blockchain was not well-known.
“We weren’t in it for financial gain necessarily. We were in it because it was interesting as a technology. This was at a time where nobody else believed in it. Nobody at the university cared about blockchain.”
Nick explains that they had to take a massive bet to skip classes to invest time into learning about blockchain. “We found blockchain really fascinating. There were ideological, economic, and philosophical elements to it. We would spend a lot of time digging into research that was incredibly niche. Especially for Anthony, who was not technical, this was something that he himself believed deeply in.”
“That’s Anthony’s legacy. The ability to believe in something so deeply, even though everybody else tells you you’re wrong. To be able to face that challenge, rise to it, and continue to dig your heels in. It set the pace of not just his career, but all of our careers.”
Today, hundreds have passed through B@B and gone to become founders, venture capitalists, and builders.
“Each and every time I’m like, ‘Wow. This all happened because Anthony took a bet and believed in himself and those around him.’”
Being a force of nature is important, but taking a risk when nobody else believes in you is a defining quality.
Akash Khosla
Akash, co-founder of Blockchain at Berkeley, met Anthony at a time where blockchain still felt unformed. “Fintech wasn’t really a proper industry back then,” he recalls.
“The people that were into tech wanted to follow a trend. A lot of people churned. Understandably, because at the time, the markets weren’t initially doing crazy well, and it was a new time. But Anthony stuck through it all pretty consistently.”
When Akash interviewed Anthony, Akash remembers someone a little nervous, and unsure of what to expect. Since then, there has been a lot of change.
“He went from being a bit of a shyer introvert and started to be someone that had clear leadership skills and authority. People would listen to him.”
Anthony’s voice was clear both in karaoke and meetings. “He’s really good at grabbing the attention of the room. That’s not something that you would see often in tech circles.”
After the founders graduated and others moved on, Blockchain at Berkeley faced a risk of discontinuation. Akash and Anthony were both in their final semesters.
“It was an uncertain moment. We weren’t sure that the organization was going to continue.”
Anthony stepped in.
“Anthony was more the messiah type. He’s definitely the charismatic leader. He was the one who stepped up when no one else would.”
Everyone understood that being president of an organization demands a high number of hours, and no one was willing to take over the commitment. “The time commitment was always pretty brutal. He really made a lot of sacrifices to kind of make it work. He stepped up, single-handedly at first, then he brought in other people for support.”
Akash became one of the interim supporters to help keep the organization afloat until there were others to step in.
“Anthony was more than happy to just come back and step in. On top of that, he would actually come back years later to check on how things are going.”
Even after moving out of California, Anthony kept reaching back to check in on things. “He would hit me up, ‘Hey, you wanna check in on how things are going?’ I’ll be like, ‘Sure, man, let’s let’s do it.’ He was very contagious. He was very dedicated to keeping things he loved, and nurtured them to make them thrive. He probably would have been a really good father in that sense.”
“He was a very positive influence. It’s always a positive activity and you would benefit from following along with him.”
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Anthony had an entrepreneurial way of moving through the world. He trusted his own judgement, was ready to question convention, and created his own opportunities.
“He’s very ethical. There were lines he would never cross.” When conflict arose between mutual friends, Anthony would step in and say, ‘Hey. I don’t think you’re being fair. You gotta stop talking like that.’”
“He’s a bit of a maverick. At Berkeley, he got really comfortable being uncomfortable.”
When Anthony had an opinion that most of the crowd wouldn’t agree with, he’d voice it. “He welcomed it. He’s a big proponent of free speech. He really valued the idea of truth.” In the search for truth, Anthony was willing to ask uncomfortable questions and debate others.
That instinct to think for himself and carve his own path also translated into his career building. Anthony not only had interesting and unconventional jobs, but sought them out in non-traditional ways. “He would talk to people doing interesting things and land a cool job.”
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The friend group took pride in its diversity. “We’re not the same people at all. We’re totally different.”
“We hang out periodically, like good, old friends do.” Often, they’ll hear a song or encounter an experience, which will make them think “Dude, this is definitely something Anthony would like.”
“There’ll always be reminders. Anthony definitely shaped our lives permanently. I think all of us have a bit of him in our personalities.”
Anthony’s positive attributes have become traits they look for in new people: honesty, down to earth, a big heart, humor, loyalty, and generosity.
“Our new friends mirror our old friends in some ways. Maybe it’s by accident, but we also know that it’s somewhat intentional.”
Anthony’s influence exists not only in memory, but the standards that have been left behind: core values, work ethic, ethics, and how they care for others.
“If you were friends with him, he really made you feel that you’re friends with him. That was very clear. You would never feel like you’re alone at all.”
Anthony has become “an anchor point for friendship.”
“I see it as sacred. It really defines how I try to make friends and meet new people.”
Anthony was a role model for countless people, and he continues to be a guiding light. He embodied and gave new meaning to trustworthiness, leadership, and friendship.
His entrepreneurial spirit, courage to create his own path, and sincere generosity toward those around him are proudly honored through the Anthony DiPrinzio Endowment for Entrepreneurship.
Anthony opened doors, inspired confidence, and challenged others to dream bigger. Anthony is remembered with deep respect, and his legacy will continue to inspire and empower generations to come.
This piece is a collaborative article, with the opening section written by Sienna Lam, and the second section featuring interviews written by Wendy Zeng.
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