Serafin “Joe” Jr. Padilla

Serafin Jr. “Joe” Padilla, 80 of Santa Fe, NM passed peacefully to be with our Lord on September 8 2017. He was surrounded by his loving family. He is preceded in death by his parents Serafin and Decideria, brothers Albert and Eddy, sisters Felicita and Maria Elena. Serafin is survived by his loving wife Evangeline; daughter, Cynthia, brothers, Clyde (Connie), Abran (Gloria), sisters, Angie (Orlando), Lulu (Richard); in laws Agnes Valdez, Isabel (Larry), Georgia (Nestor) and many loving nieces and nephews. Serafin was born on December 11, 1936 in Santa Fe, NM. He grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico and graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1957. After High School he joined the National Guard, then worked at the White Swan Laundry. He had a successful career at the NM State Highway Department as a Mechanic and retired with twenty-six and a half years of service. After retirement he worked as a school crossing guard. Serafin married Evangeline Gonzales, the love of his life in 1962 in Santa Fe, NM and later became a father to Cynthia who was his pride and joy. They were happily married for 55 years. He was a member of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe church and a member of the Nocternal Adoration. Serafin was a kind, generous, loving and caring man whose faith in God was always present. He had a great sense of humor and brought joy and laughter to all who encountered him. He loved to enjoy a good meal and was an avid Denver Bronco fan. He loved spending time with his wife and daughter. He had a passion for vintage cars and trucks, enjoyed going to the Casino and loved the outdoors. Our family was blessed with the time God gave us in making family memories which we will treasure forever. Words cannot express how much he touched people’s lives and how much he will be missed. He taught us strength, love patience and to enjoy life. We will forever remember the lessons he taught about love and family. He will be greatly missed. A rosary will be held at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on Thursday September 14, 2017 at 7:00pm. A funeral mass will also be held at the Shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on Friday September 15, 2017 at 10:00 am. Following the mass he will be escorted by pall bearers, Joe Padilla, Clyde Padilla, Abran Padilla, Robert Lopez, Charles Simoni and Chris Armijo and honorary pall bearers James Padilla, Donald Gonzales, Kenny Martinez, Nestor Armijo and Larry Ferns to his final resting place at Rosario Cemetery.