Jonathan Esequiel Padilla

Jonathan Esequiel Padilla, age 33, of Tempe, passed away on October 30, 2020. He was a graduate of McClintock High School and earned his B.A. in Film & Media Studies at Arizona State University in 2011. He was an active volunteer and participant in local film events and book clubs, a lifetime public employee, a beloved son, and brother, a compassionate friend, an engaging coworker, an animal lover, and the brightest laugh in the room.

He lived his life bigger than his body, finding joy in the simple pleasures. He was always able to make anybody laugh or smile. He had said his best trait is that he loves his family and friends deeply – there is no doubt hat he had the biggest heart.

He had a passion for the arts. From a very young age he was a critical scholar, consumer, and practitioner of film, literature, and music – the subjects that he centered his personal, academic, and professional life around. He had an ambition to teach film history & media literacy to high school students one day. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and family, visiting coffee shops, and attending concerts. He will be deeply missed by the many lives he touched in his short time here with us.