Alfonso Joe Padilla, age 72 of Raton, New Mexico passed away surrounded by loved ones on Friday April 7, 2017.
He was born March 11, 1945 in Raton, New Mexico to Bernardo and Annie Padilla.
After high school, Alfonso served 4 years in the United State Air Force. Afterwards he moved to Denver, Colorado where he retired from United Airlines. During that time he also earned a Bachelors degree in Chicano studies. Once retired Alfonso moved back to his hometown of Raton where he reconnected with his childhood sweetheart Victoria. They were married on September 19, 2000. During that time he taught high school Spanish and ESL in the surrounding areas. He dedicated his spare time to singing at the local nursing home as well as teaching anyone who was willing to learn how to play the guitar. He was an amazing man who showed everyone around him how to have an imagination and how to enjoy life.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Bernardo and Annie Padilla, Siblings: Joe Salazar, Ben Padilla, Marylou Darras, Rosie Padilla, James Padilla, Son, Manolo Padilla and grandson Gabriel Perez.
He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Victoria Padilla, Son Mario and Magdalena Padilla, grandchildren: Matthew, Rebecca, Alan, Esai, Silana, Sade and Logan. Granddaughter Destiny Rodriguez, step daughter Melissa Perez, granddaughters: Alisha and Deidra Tafoya, Step son Daniel and Agnes Perez, grandchildren: Tristan, Natalie, Dannielynn, Vincent and Estrella and all the lives he touched along the way.
What we miss most about our Alfonso is his unique wisdom and advice that he provided to our blended family.
Funeral services for Alfonso Joe Padilla will be held on Saturday April 22, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home Chapel in Raton, New Mexico.
Arrangements and celebration of love for Alfonso Joe Padilla are under the direction of the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home in Raton, New Mexico.
