Richard S. Padilla

He is preceded in death by, his father and mother, Philip and Lydia Padilla, his brothers, Jimmy “Alexi” Padilla and Arthur Padilla. He leaves behind, his wife of thirty-nine years, Diana, his daughters Diana Marie (Joe), Anna Lisa (Scott), Lydia Martina (Chevy), and Jennifer Lee (Clifford), his grandchildren, Martina Ann (Kagan), Richard Lee, Jude Alec, and Clifford Jesse, and a soon to arrive, great granddaughter Olivia Grace. He also leaves behind his beautiful sisters Margie Salinas (Hector), Lillie Leija, brother Hector, and numerous beloved nephews, nieces, Godchildren, his best friend of 70 years, Willie Casanova (Sofia), and countless friends.

Richard graduated from La Salle Catholic High School in 1961. In 1962, he joined the US Army where he was stationed in Louisiana, Austin, and Seoul, South Korea. After returning from the Army, he worked at Kelly Air Force Base for thirteen years. He then decided to attend San Antonio College to pursue a career in law enforcement. In 1977, he fell in love with Somerset, Texas after serving as a police officer for the city. He decided to make it his home in order to pursue his dream of becoming Chief of Police. As much as he loved the police department, he eventually chose to follow in his father’s footsteps to become a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service. While working for the USPS, he began his political career by serving the City of Somerset. He proudly served as the first Hispanic Mayor from 1986-1988 and has been the only person to win on a write in ballot. He served numerous terms as an Alderman, and then Mayor once again from 2002-2004. He retired from the Postal Service with thirty-three years of civil service, to be a caregiver for his mother. After her passing, he decided to go back into the workforce. He worked security at H.E.B. and SeaWorld San Antonio and enjoyed driving the school bus for the students of Somerset ISD. Throughout that time, he served in numerous organizations. He was a member of the American Legion where he enjoyed serving as the Commander of Post 443 in Somerset, Texas. He was a Lifelong Member of VFW Post 6970 in Poteet, Texas. Around 2009, he joined the Knights of Columbus and served several terms as Grand Knight for Council 4786. In 2011, he received the honor of Worthy Sir Knight of the Fourth Degree. The Knights of Columbus quickly became his main hobby because of his willingness to serve those in need. He made lifelong friends and brothers. He was an active member in the Catholic church, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and a team member on several ACTS retreats. He loved attending his class reunions and monthly breakfasts with his fellow La Salle Fighting Falcons. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and family. He loved volunteering to dress up as Santa Claus, because even he enjoyed the magic of Christmas. He was a caregiver to his parents, father-in-law, and brother. He loved to joke and make people laugh.

Richard lived a life of service filled with integrity, compassion, and selflessness. He was always a defender of the underdog. He had a passion for politics, not as a politician, but as a servant leader. He never said no when it came to helping others. Although he did not have a formal degree, he valued education and instilled that importance into the minds of his daughters and grandchildren. Richard made a positive impact on the lives of many. He was an amazing husband and father. Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of being a husband, father, and grandpa. He is missed greatly and will never be forgotten.

On behalf of the family, special thanks to Sophia Casanova, nurses and rehab staff with SW Regional Health Care, Dr. Glendon Hack, Lytle Family Practice, Harbor Valley Rehab Center nurses and staff, David Ortiz, Altus Hospice Care, Veronica, Lupita, and Dr. Martinez.

A visitation for Richard will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 from 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Trevino Funeral Home, 2525 Palo Alto, 78211 with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 12:30 PM at St. Mary's Catholic Church with interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.