Gilbert Losoya Padilla

Gilbert Losoya Padilla born April 9, 1932, in San Angelo, Texas, to Theodore and Estella Padilla was called to Heaven on April 23, 2022, just two weeks after celebrating his 90th birthday. He was the youngest of four children and is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Arcenio (Norris) Padilla and Alex Padilla; and half-siblings: Josephine Johnston, Hermenia Padilla, Antonia Estrada, Manuel Padilla, and Theodore (Pat) Cummings.

Gil enlisted in the Navy in 1951 and served aboard the USS Pine Island and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Proud to serve our country, he was an honorable Korean War Veteran. In 1955, Gil settled in San Diego and married his true love, Irene, on June 30, 1956, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ocean Beach. There they began their life together raising four wonderful children.

Gil dedicated his energy and attention to create a successful career in real estate. In the beginning, he worked for a title insurance company before moving on to work in Bank of America’s Trust Department for over 13 years. After a successful career with B of A, Gil would venture out with his good friends, Dale Martin and Doug Metz, to open and operate their own real estate company for many years. Eventually Gil and Irene would establish and run Padilla Property Management until his retirement in 2000.

Gil loved camping, fishing, and the occasional hunting trip. He would often accompany his father-in-law, James (Jimbo, as he referred to him) Johnston, to the Imperial Valley to fish for days at a time. There were also memorable family trips to Big Bear, Lake Elsinore and Lake Wolford as his children were growing up. He and Irene enjoyed many trips throughout their years together. They traveled to Hawaii, Mexico, and Costa Rica, as well as numerous trips to Las Vegas, Reno, and Laughlin with family and friends. They also enjoyed taking cruises whenever possible, including celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on a week-long cruise attended by over 50 family members and friends.

Gilbert was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was lovingly referred to as Babe, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Tio, Uncle Gabo, Muley, and simply Gil. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Irene; his children: Christopher Padilla and wife, Genina, Roger Padilla, Roxana Padilla, Valarie Padilla and fiance, Jeff Thurston, and Andrew Padilla; his grandchildren: Andreas, Alec, and Raqelle Padilla, and Owen Thurston; his sister, Julia Arocha of San Angelo, Texas; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on June 7, 2022, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 2766 Navajo Road, El Cajon, CA 92020, with reception to follow. Internment to be held at Miramar National Cemetery on June 8, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome.