Florentino Padilla Jr.

FLORENTINO PADILLA, JR

Florentino Padilla, Jr., born on August 14, 1932, in La Junta, Colorado, entered eternal life on July 22, 2015, surrounded by his wife and children.  He was preceded in death by his daughter, Theresa Martinez.  Florentino and his loving wife, Antonia (Toni), were married for 58 years.  Their children include Kathy Garcia (Eddie), Paul Padilla (Caroline), Patricia Hugg (Rusty), Dereld Padilla (Marion), and Ruth Cox (Quintin); and son-in-law Robert Martinez.  He was blessed with nine grandchildren:  Sandra, Katie, Andrew (Laura), Melanie, Kelsie (Sean), Robbie, Kevin, Jory and Cassidy; and five great-grandchildren: Dominic, Avery, Khyrell, Jalen and Noah.   Elsie Gonzales (Pete), from Denver, Colorado, is his only living sibling, and he has a loving extended family.
Florentino was a Korean War Veteran and worked for the Federal Government for 32 years, where he was a pioneer in computer programming.  Because of his strong work ethic, he continued to work after his retirement until his late 70s.  He attended St. Bernadette Catholic Church regularly and was a dedicated volunteer with Meals on Wheels.  Florentino was a life-long jazz musician who played the upright bass in various bands, and until three years ago, with the Palo Duro Band.  He loved fishing, the Denver Broncos, and spending time with his family and his precious dog, Sorita.  
Services are scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2015, at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 11509 Indian School Road, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112, with an 8:30am Rosary and 9:00am Mass, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall.  It is suggested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Meals on Wheels.