Richard Padilla

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we say goodbye to Richard Padilla.  He passed away peacefully on September 6, 2023, with his beloved wife, Mary Frances Padilla, of 52 years by his side.  Richard was the oldest of six children and is preceded in death by his parents, Eligio and Ramona Padilla; his brothers, Ermie, Gene, and Eddie Padilla. He survived by his sisters, Dolores Soto and Fena Kiskaden.  He also leaves behind his only child, Christopher Darren Padilla; two grandchildren, Kayla Ayala and Jacob Padilla; three great grandchildren, Kollins Padilla, Olivia Ayala, and Graysen Padilla; as well as many other family and friends. 
 
Richard was born in San Antonio, New Mexico on May 12, 1943.  In those short 80 years, he was quick to light a room with his smile and lend a helping hand to anyone that would ask.  His heart was beyond comparison.  Polite, patient, kind, caring, honorable, loving…. all the adjectives you would expect of a man being welcomed by Saint Peter and walking through the gates of heaven.  

Richard earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico.  Although his degree was in business, his passion was computer programming.  He lived and excelled in a generation that invented computers versus those of us that simply use them.  He was a successful System Administrator, Programmer and then took on increasing levels of leadership responsibilities.  Richard worked for Army Research Laboratory (ARL) in Whites Sands Missile Range before he retired after 28 years of service.  In his retirement he thoroughly enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting, cooking or simply watching his grandson (his “little buddy”) play baseball anywhere in the country.    

Richard will be truly missed.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 am to 10:15 am on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at St. Jude Parish Catholic Church.

The Vigil with Rosary for Richard Padilla will be recited at 10:15 am, Thursday, September 14, 2023, at St. Jude Parish Catholic Church with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated following Rosary at 11:00 am with Father Marcel Okonkwo, Celebrant.

Burial will follow at Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Jacob Padilla, Joe Ayala, Andrew Padilla, Ermie Padilla, Joe Beach, and Mark Beach.

Honorary Pallbearers are Martin Lopez IV, Steven De La O, Jeremy Adams, and Jason Beach.

The family would like you to join them for a reception immediately following services at St. Jude Parish Hall.

The Padilla family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the funeral services.

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