Paul Priolo is retired and lives in his native San Francisco with his wife Beate, whom he met when he was a guest of the German government. He graduated from Lincoln High School in San Francisco and served in the Navy in World War II. He then graduated from San Mateo Jr. College and U.C. Berkeley.

Priolo had a long and distinguished career in business, government and politics. While still the owner and operator of a retail establishment, he chaired a major civic project to revitalize the city of Santa Monica's central business district. In 1966, he was rewarded for his efforts and elected to the California Legislature. This was the same year Ronald Reagan was elected governor; both men were residents of Pacific Palisades.

As an Assemblyman, Priolo rose to the highest partisan position, serving three and one half years as Republican Leader. He retired from the Legislature in 1980. Until 1995, when he retired, he had his own lobbying and government relations business.

Priolo,  in retirement, in addition to chairing Sacramento Seminar, travels often to visit family in Germany and Italy. He has a passion for walking, reading, and family which includes three married children and six grandchildren.