Manuel Padilla Jr.

Manuel Padilla, Jr., beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed from this life on Thursday, July 30, 2015 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born November 27, 1935 in Phoenix Arizona to Antonia and Manuel Padilla, Sr., and was a resident of Alameda, NM.  He was raised in New Mexico and attended Our Lady of Sorrows Grade School in Bernalillo.  He attended and graduated from Valley High School as the first Senior Class in 1955.  He Married Sadie Lucero of Bernalillo and moved to California. He worked for Shell Chemical Cooperation and Douglas Aircraft.  Attended Harbor Junior college in Wilmington California.  He returned to NM in 1961 and worked for American National Insurance Company, established a grocery store. He was employed with the City of Albuquerque in 1964 at the Albuquerque International Airport where he was a police officer.  He retired as the first local Chief of Aviation Police for the City of Albuquerque In 1988.   He was a member of the F.O.P., Knights of Columbus, the American Legion Post #69.   He was a member of the Citizens Review Board for the State of NM Human Services Department; a member of the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Posse. Served as an usher at his Church Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and other Church programs.

Manuel is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sadie Padilla; his children, Michael Padilla, Priscilla Padilla and her fiancée, Chris Hedstrom, Ronald Padilla and wife Beverly; his precious grandchildren, Chris and Sarah Padilla, Noel Duran and husband Julio, Joseph Angel Padilla MD, Sergio Cuvea Flores, JD, Ray and Jesse Padilla; three great-grandchildren, Julian Duran, Isabella Duran, and Julia Padilla;  (inherited grandchildren), Bianca Herrera, Adelicia Otero, and Katie Dunn; and other loving relatives and friends.

The family will be receiving relatives and friends Thursday, August 6, 2015 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 9502 Fourth St., NW, where a Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m.  Service of Christian Burial will be Friday, August 7, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. also at the Church.  Inurnment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Manuel's care is entrusted to:
Daniels Family Funeral Services
ALAMEDA  MORTUARY
9420 Fourth St. NW
Albuquerque, NM 87114
(505) 898-3160

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