Trinidad Valencia Padilla

Trinidad Valencia Padilla was born on November 25th, 1924 in Chino, California. He was 98 years old when he passed away to be with his beloved wife Socorro (Cora) on June 27th, 2023. He was also preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters; Joe, Ray, Rudy, Dora, and Sally. He was the fourth child born to Trinidad Padilla and Aurora Valencia Padilla.

His parents passed away at a young age so "Trini," as he liked to be called, or "Nuni," as one of the brothers nicknamed him, and three of his siblings went to live on his aunt "Tia Tula" Tapia and uncle Rafael Tapia's ranch in Red Rock, Arizona. His mother's sister and husband raised them as their own and instilled in them a great work ethic and the cowboy way of living off the land. It was hard work for the young brothers but we also believe being on the ranch in Red Rock were some of the happiest times of his life. Dad was a cowboy at heart and in later years he always said that he would have loved to own a ranch and raise a family the cowboy way, with his trusted horse "Washington."

Trinidad joined the U.S. Army in 1943 at the young age of 18 to serve his country in World War II. He became a Combat Engineer and worked his way up to Staff Sergeant. His service was in the Pacific Theater mostly in the Philippines, Japan, and New Guinea. He was proud to serve his country and could always share many memories and details of his experiences in the Army.

After the war, in 1946, he returned to Red Rock and did a little ranching and traveling but ended up settling back in Tucson where he worked for George and Helen Medina at their garage. They took him under their wing, treated him like a son, and were also instrumental in shaping his life! He met the love of his life, Socorro Abalos back in Red Rock. It was love at first sight for him and probably Mom too but she never admitted it. They got married June 18th, 1949, in Tucson. They had three children together, Michael the oldest, Carolyn, and Richard. They lived in Tucson for a while and eventually moved to Chula Vista, California in 1957. After a lengthy work career mostly in Chula Vista, he retired and they moved to Hemet, California in 1991. As they needed more help in their golden years, they decided to move back to Tucson where they spent the rest of their days. Trinidad is survived by three children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

A visitation for Trinidad will be held Friday, July 7, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Funeraria del Angel South Lawn, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706. Following the visitation will be a graveside service from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at South Lawn Cemetery, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.funerariadelangelSL.com for the Padilla family.