Sonny Valdez Padero

Sonny Padero of Reedley, California, passed away on February 3, 2025. He was born on August 17, 1959 in Tarlac, Philippines to Victor and Cresencia Padero. Sonny was a devoted son, brother, husband, and father.

Sonny first immigrated from the Philippines to Kauai, Hawaii in January 1983 where he worked as a taro root fieldworker and at the local library. Shortly after, he moved to California’s Central Valley, settling in Orosi and later Reedley. He continued working as a fieldworker before becoming a longtime employee at Town & Country for 35 years. In his free time, he cultivated a beautiful garden of fruits and vegetables that made their way into the dishes his family loved, like Laoya and Tortang Tarong, or into the hands of friends and family who visited.

Above all, Sonny took the greatest pride in his family. He raised three children: Stephanie, Shawn, and Dominic—and built a beautiful life with his loving wife, Macrina. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, children, and siblings and their spouses: Lydia (Antonio), Emilia (Samuel), Eduardo (Elsa), Adorada (Efren), Violeta (Ricardo), Winda (Macario), Tony (Delia), and Jimmy (Elena).

A viewing will be held on Sunday, February 23, at 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Dopkins Reedley Funeral Chapel with the rosary at 3:30 PM. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, February 24, at 10:00 AM in the new St. Anthony’s of Padua Church, followed by burial at the Reedley Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held after the burial, with details to be announced at the funeral.

Sonny’s legacy lives on through his family, who will continue to honor his positive energy, resilience, and love for others.