Jose Francisco Padilla

   If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Jose Francisco Padilla. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Jose was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

Jose was born on Atotonilco el Alto, Jalisco, Mexico. He was the son of Maria & Manuel Padilla. Jose was raised in Atotonilco el Alto until the age of 10. He then arrived in the United States growing up in Redwood City and Mountain View. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Jose was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Jose's personality throughout his life.

Though Jose was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Jose was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Jose worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Jose was raised with two older brothers and older sisters, and two younger sisters. Jose and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Jose was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Jose was always tactful. One thing Jose will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Jose had a number of interests and was an active child. Jose took part in deep sea fishing and fishing in general. He was a St. Anthony's Church Youth Group Leader and taught 1st communion classes. In his spare time he liked reading comic books, baseball cards, and collecting coins. Jose's memorable achievements included free spirit and enjoyed spending time with his friends.

For Jose, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Jose was also adept at details. Jose was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He graduated from Sequoia High School in 1974. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was history. Jose was respected and looked up by his classmates and acquaintances.

There was one thing that all of Jose's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Jose was such a popular person throughout his life. But Jose was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Jose was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Jose was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Jose was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Jose was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Jose made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends were Padre Tomas, co-workers, Al, Damien, Danny, Frank, Martin, Marvin, Rosalio, Scotty, and many more.

Jose was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Jose cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On September 16, 2008 Jose married Jeannie Feely at Mountain View's City Hall of Mountain View. Compassionate and devoted, Jose worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

Taking his work seriously came naturally to Jose, and he expected the same from those around him. Jose was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Jose was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Jose handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was Sanitary Engineer-Front Loader. He was employed for BFI/Recology for 35 years. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

A methodical man, Jose enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were coin, baseball, and comic book collecting, He like fishing, camping, going to Indiana Reservoir, casinos, playing bingo, being in the outdoors surrounded by nature, going to crab cioppino's and enjoyed being out in the open sea.

Jose was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Jose was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Jose also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were 49ers, boxing, soccer; he pretty much enjoyed any sport.

His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Jose to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because he was outgoing and worked well with others, Jose did his fair share of volunteer work. And he wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. He was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Jose was a member of the Latin Club.

His high moral standards and traditional values served Jose well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member of St Anthony's Church in Menlo Park for four years. During that time, he was a Youth Group Leader and First Communion Teacher. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

Not only did Jose enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included camping at his friend's ranch, fishing, gambling, Mexico, and Colorado.

Jose was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was His cats, Tough It, Rex, and Pumpkin, his first two cats Jose had them through his adulthood until their passing and Pumpkin is still alive. His family was rounded out by his wife's birds after she passed away.

Since it was easy for Jose to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Jose was ready when that day to retire finally came in 2012. His new life involved relocating to Mountain View. In retirement, he found new pleasure in camping, fishing, hanging out with his friends and taking care of his mother. Even in retirement, Jose stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

Jose passed away on September 23, 2017 at His home in Mountain View from cardiac failure and cancer. He is survived by his mother, Maria His brothers, Jaime and Hector. His four sisters, Olivia, Irma, Ana, and Maria. Services were held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Redwood City. Jose was laid to rest in Atotonilco el Alto, Jalisco, Mexico.

Jose was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Jose was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Jose Francisco Padilla.