Fred Padilla

Albert (Fred) Padilla left this earth to join God, the Father, on June 2, 2018. He leaves behind his loving wife, Vevalee (Vee), daughter, Julie; four granddaughters, Savanah, Maria, Christina and Lilly; three great-grand children, Lainey, Talon and Remy; and three sisters, Mickey, Dorma and Vicki. He was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Belle Padilla; Son, Charles (Chuck) and his little Brother, Charles.

Born in 1936 in Los Angeles, the family lived in California until 1951 when they moved to Colorado where they had many relatives. Fred joined the Navy at 19 in 1955, spending four years active duty, based out of San Diego and two years in the Naval Reserve, being discharged in 1961. He served on the USS Enhance and USS Oriskany.

In 1961, he met Vee while both were working at Burt Chevrolet in Englewood, dated for three months and were married. They were blessed with two beautiful children in the next three years, Chuckie and Julie. The family purchased a home in newly developing Northglenn, Colorado, in late 1965 and have been in the same home for 53 years. They still have great friends and neighbors who live on the block or in the adjacent area where all the children grew up together and are still very close.

Fred worked in the automotive industry all his life as a mechanic, and later as a body man and painter. He worked at various individual shops, as well as, Colorado Kenworth and Freightliner where he painted tractor-trailer rigs. Everyone admired his work. He retired at 67 years of age.

Fred was an avid sports fan but, in particular, loved the Denver Broncos. Season ticket holders since 1969, Fred and Vee hadn't missed many games until the last two years. Tailgating and enjoying friends prior to each game was a priority on Sundays. His basement (man cave) is filled with memorabilia of the Broncos for over 50 years. Fred was a golfer, starting to enjoy the game as a caddy in his early teens in California. The family were Charter Members of The Ranch Country Club in the 1960's where he made many friends who also enjoyed the game. In later years, he played golf twice a week with his group of buddies. They called themselves the Geezers. Fred enjoyed bowling for over 30 years on leagues until his knee and hip decided it was time to give it up.

Fred enjoyed camping and fishing with his entire family over the years and was so happy all his granddaughters loved that time with him and Vee, listening to stories around the campfire and having adventures in the woods.

Fred and Vee are members of The American Legion, Post 22, in Northglenn and over the past 7 years have made so many new friends who are very special to us.

At this time in his life, he was so thankful for all the precious family and friends he had and those so special to him that he had lost. Our church, Immaculate Heart of Mary, has been a big part of our life since 1965. God was a big part of his life and now he can spend eternity with him and all those who have passed before him, renewing friendships and praising God. Until we meet again, all our love is with you. Thank you for all our enduring memories.

Donations can be made to Catholic Charities or Wounded Warriors.

A visitation will be held Monday, June 11 at 6pm followed by a Recitation of the Rosary at 7pm at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church,11385 Grant Dr, Northglenn, CO 80233 . Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 12 at 10:30am also at Immaculate Heart of Mary. The committal service is being held at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver on June 19, 11:00am, Staging Area "A".

Fond memories of Fred and expressions of sympathy for his family may be shared at the guestbook below.