Gilbert Padilla

It is with great sadness the family of Gilbert “Paddy” Padilla, age 88, lifelong resident of Espanola, announces his peaceful passed into the arms of our Lord in Heaven, on Wednesday August 28, 2019, after a lengthy illness. He was born on Tuesday May 03, 1931, to Ramon and Merced Padilla.

Gilbert/Paddy was a very humble man from a humble upbringing. He was known for his sense of humor and fierce sense of loyalty to family and friends. Among his favorite things was listening to KDCE radio, socializing at local stores, the casino and senior center.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Corporal and a Military Police Officer. During his Military Service Gilbert/Paddy earned several medals such as: Qual Badge Sharpshooter, National Defense, Korean Service, United Nations Service and Marine Corps Good Conduct. During his Korean deployment Gilbert/Paddy was wounded by shrapnel from a hand grenade while in active duty. He was to be honored with the U.S. Purple Heart. His Mother had a heart condition and would have been presented his medal while he was overseas. Therefore, so as not to worry his Mother Gilbert/Paddy declined his Purple Heart.

Gilbert/Paddy retired from the City of Espanola where he held several positions. Gilbert/Paddy was well known in the valley for his athleticism. He was a force to be reckoned with whether in the water, on the basketball court and the baseball field. Gilbert/Paddy played third base, short-stop and pitched hardball for Chamita, Hernandez, Abiquiu, and Tierra Amarilla. Gilbert/Paddy was contacted by Major League Baseball Scout’s with offers to sign up as a Pro-Umpire. He turned down these offers because he refused to leave his beloved Espanola Valley.

Gilbert/Paddy will be welcomed in Heaven by parents, Ramon and Merced Padilla. His daughter, Phyllis Padilla Gonzales, grandsons, Wesley Gonzales and Darrel Padilla; brothers, Rudy, Joe and Freddy Padilla, sisters, Angie Aragon, Jane Padilla, Mary Martinez, Toni Lopez, and Nickie Sanchez; Like a son, he nicknamed junior, Jerome Arroyos, and his best fishing buddy and casino partner, Joe Jaramillo.

Gilbert/Paddy leaves behind his three children, Ruben, Barbara and Nancy Padilla; the mother of his children, Angie Padilla; grandchildren, Carolyn Gonzales (Allen) Donna Casados (Kenny), Angelina Brito (Ernie), Dominic Padilla and Frank Jordan Dominguez (Kayla). Gilbert/Paddy was blessed with 13 great grandchildren. His sisters are Carrie Vigil Preceado, Erlinda Trujillo, Carmen Rodriguez and Rose Padilla, special brother-in-law, Victor Saiz, and numerous extended family members and friends. Public Visitation will begin on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory, with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Espanola, with a burial to follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.  Serving the family as pallbearers are The United States Marine Corps Honor Guard, Victor Saiz Jr., Russell Lovato, Frank Pancho Dominguez Jr., Angelina Brito, Donna, Kenny, Skylor, and Mia Casados,  honorary pallbearers will be Sy Martinez, Carolyn Gonzales, Dominic Padilla,  Frank Jordan Dominguez, great-grandchildren: Deion, Juliah, Isaiah and Adriana Gonzales, Hallie Martinez, Neveah, Eli, and Zarah Dominguez, Kaylee, Karlee and Kaleb Padilla. The family of Gilbert “Paddy” Padilla has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477-www.devargasfuneral.com