Tito Padilla

Tito R. Padilla, a well-known educator and life long resident of Chimayo, New Mexico and most recently of Las Cruces, New Mexico was called home to be with our Lord and Savior on Monday, October 17, 2022. Tito was born in Chimayo, New Mexico on May 17, 1935. Both parents preceded him, Don Esquipula Padilla in April 1962 and Desideria Espinoza Padilla in January 1963, brother Pula Padilla Jr., in June 1970, sisters Elaiza Martinez in August 1969, Virginia Trujillo in October 1988 and Leonarda Padilla in December 1999, wife Fidelina "Fiddie" Padilla in October 2019, sons Harold Padilla in December 2019, Edmund Padilla in February 2021, infant sons Richard in March 1955 and Darrell in November 1959.



Tito attended grade school at the Chimayo Elementary School not knowing that one day in the future he would be the principal. He graduated from Santa Cruz High School in 1952 at the age of 17, and went on to receive a BA degree in Elementary Education and School Curriculum and a Master's Degree in Public School Administration and School Finance from Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He began his education teaching career at Cebolla and Hernandez Elementary Schools and after five years, was appointed Elementary Principal at the Chimayo Elementary School 1960- 1979. He served as Director of Instruction and Superintendent of the Mesa Vista School District from 1979 - 1981, followed by serving as principal at the Espanola Elementary School before being named Title I Director for the Espanola Public Schools from 1982 through 1992. He held several other administrative positions in this school district and in 1992 went through open-heart surgery and had to retire due to health reasons on June 30, 1992.



As a retired educator, Tito lived a very active life and wore many hats in the fields of Education and Public Service. He was appointed Rio Arriba County Commissioner by then Governor Bruce King in April 1992. A lifelong Catholic, he was a member of the Holy Family Parish in Chimayo and enjoyed volunteering as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and delivering Holy Communion to the elderly and homebound. He served weekly in the Finance Committee and was president of the Parish Council from 1997 - 2003. Tito left many cherished friends behind, relocating to Las Cruces, NM where his two daughters cared for him. Tito was a devout Catholic who joined the Cathedral of Immaculate Heart of Mary as a parishioner.



Tito is survived by his son, Dennis and wife Susan; daughters Angela K. Padilla and LuAnn and husband Ray; Grandchildren: Stephanie Padilla (deceased); Harold T. (J.R.) Padilla, Machelle Rodriguez, Joseph Padilla, Jennifer Herrera, David Padilla, Darryl Padilla (deceased), Daniel Padilla, Ivan Marquez and Tara Marquez. Great grandchildren: (Jerod Walker, Naveah Trujillo, Alexa Padilla, Andrew Padilla, Adam Padilla, ReAnn Padilla, Destaney Padilla, Mariah Garcia, T.J. Garcia, Matthew Rodriguez, Arielle Rodriguez, Annalysiya Padilla (deceased), Lynessa Padilla, Jordan Padilla, Kaylee Padilla, Jillian Herrera, Julia Herrera, Nyree Padilla and Tiana Padilla. Great great grandchild: Atreus Ojeda. Annadel Montoya (Mother to Daniel Padilla), nephews, nieces, other relatives and many great friends.



His life was dedicated to education. He will be missed by many former students, colleagues, advisees, friends and relatives whom he encouraged to push to reach their potential. He will also be remembered for his generosity and his remarkable positive outlook on life.



The family would like to express gratitude to Mountain View Regional Medical Center physician, Dr. Jaime Sanchez, nurses (Crystal H. and Katy M.) and staff; The Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern NM staff, Memorial Medical Center staff, and UNMH staff for the care and compassion shown during his time of illness.



Funeral services to be held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church located at 1240 S Espina, Las Cruces NM 88001 on Friday, November 4, 2022, with visitation starting at 9:00 am, a rosary to be recited at 9:30 am and a funeral mass to be celebrated at 10:00 am with interment to follow in the Columbarium in the same church.