Roberto Augusto Padilla

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Roberto Augusto (Pop/Tico) Padilla, who departed this life on March 28, 2025, in Washington, District of Columbia, at the remarkable age of 100.

Born on March 11, 1925, in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Roberto's adventurous life journey was one marked by dedication—to his family, his faith, his country, and his craft. When Roberto was a young boy, his father, a diplomat –relocated his family to Genoa, Itay where Roberto lived until he was 17 years old. His family immigrated to the United States from Italy and he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1943 and became a naturalized US citizen. Roberto landed in Normandy, France on June 7, 1944 (D-DAY+1 ) he earned the Combat Medic Badge, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Normandy Campaign Medal and an Overseas Service Bar. His military service remained a source of immense pride throughout his life. After returning from the war, Roberto moved to Washington, DC where he met and married the love of his life, Adela Maria Pineda in 1953 and together they raised seven children.

Professionally, Roberto honed his skills as a dental technician working for dentists in the —Washington DC area before founding Padilla Dental Laboratory in Washington, D.C., during the early 1960s. For 44 years, he managed and operated the lab with precision and care until his retirement.

Roberto found joy in simple pleasures— surf fishing along the Maryland and Delaware beaches and cheering passionately for World Cup soccer and football games. A loyal fan of HTTR (Hail to the Redskins), he never missed an opportunity to support his team.

Roberto was a devout Catholic from baptism until his final days. His unwavering faith guided him through every chapter of life and was a cornerstone of his identity.

He was a loving and kind family man whose generosity touched many lives. He is survived by his children: Gustavo Padilla and his spouse Maria Eleonora; Mina Kushner and her spouse Cliff; Miguel Padilla and his spouse Hannah; Jaime Padilla; and Adelita Nelson. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren who carry forward his memory.

Roberto is also remembered by his beloved siblings: Maria Hottel "Cuca", Luisa Virginia "Vicky", and Irma Liliana "Jani" and Carlo Alberto Donati. He now joins in eternal rest with his cherished wife of 69 years, Adela Maria Padilla; children Juan "Tito" Padilla, Pablo Padilla, parents Carlos Arturo Padilla and Maria Carolina Vidaurre; brothers Carlos Padilla, Oscar Padilla, Jorge "Chiqui" Padilla; and sister Carolina "Nena´ Malina.

Roberto’s century-long life was one of service, devotion, craftsmanship, and love—a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those who mourn him today.

A Funeral Mass will be held to honor both Roberto Augusto Padilla and his son Juan "Tito" Padilla on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Saint Raphael Catholic Church located at 1513 Dunster Rd., Rockville, Maryland 20854. The burial will take place at Quantico Cemetery, Triangle, VA on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 11:30AM

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Roberto's memory to a veteran administration charity of your choice.