Michael Anthony Badillo

Born Sept. 27, 1961 Albuquerque, NM) -- Died Sept. 20, 2019 (Murrieta, CA)

Michael Anthony Badillo, 57,

passed away

peacefully after a 16-month courageous fight with cancer. He was surrounded by family at his home in California. He is survived by his wife Dolores, sons, Dominic and Vincente. Parents, Richard and Pauline Badillo, sisters and brother-in-laws, Denise (C.J.) Fietek, nephew, Richard Badillo and wife, Nicole, Elizabeth (David) Lopez and nephew and niece, David and Victoria Lopez. His Sanchez relatives, brother-in-law, Ross (Gloria) Sanchez, nephews, Cory and his son Nicolas Sanchez, Leon Sanchez, sisters-in-law, Catherine (Marty), Bartholdi, niece and nephew, Marie and Vincent Bartholdi, Agnes (Michael) Mayfield, nephew and niece, Thomas, and Annie Mayfield, Dorothy (Joseph, deceased) Jund, nephew, Daniel Jund, Renee (Tom) Gurrieri, and nephews Anthony and Alexander Gurrieri. He also leaves behind many extended family members and life-long friends. Michael was preceded in death by his in-laws, Edward and Esther Sanchez, and niece, Caitlin Mayfield.

Michael went to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Albuquerque, NM and Forrest Sherman High School in Naples, Italy and went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of New Mexico in 1985. He continued his education, earning a Master's of Science in Systems Engineering Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. Michael completed certificate programs, including environmental courses at the University of California, Riverside and management courses at the University of Notre Dame. Michael spent most of his engineering career in leadership positions at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Corona, California. One of the great joys of his profession was to mentor employees.

While in college, he met his best friend, future wife and life-long love, Dolores Sanchez. They married at Saint Charles Borromeo Church in Albuquerque in November, 1986, and soon after began their adventure in Southern California. Michael was a wonderful husband and family man. He enjoyed many sports, actively pursuing interests in skiing, fishing, soccer, Tai Kwon Do, baseball, softball, football, tennis, cliff jumping, rollerblading and golf as well as coaching athletic teams for his sons. His great joy was the semi-annual tradition of playing rough and tumble outdoor basketball -- all ages and few rules -- with his sons, nephews, nieces, brother and sisters-in-law and whoever else would dare to show up. Michael was a fan of the UNM Lobos, the UofA Wildcats, and the SDSU Aztecs. He has passed on to his family and friends his passion for the New Orleans Saints.

Michael and Dolores raised two sons to adulthood, Dominic (27) and Vincente (24) and encouraged them to be involved with education and athletics, stay informed citizens, and to uphold family ideals. An adventurous family, they have visited many places both in America and abroad. This past spring, the family took one last trip together, to Ireland. Michael leaves behind his love for family, life and adventure.

A Funeral Service will be held in Murrieta California, at St. Martha's Catholic Church on Oct. 28, 2019 at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The American Cancer Society, NM Autism Society or Ronald McDonald House in Albuq, NM

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albuquerque Journal on Oct. 13, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Badillo

7 Entries

Dennis Sanchez

October 28, 2019

Cousin Michael was such a smart adventurous caring man. From all the Guillermo Sanchez family you will be missed and our prayers go to Michael and all who grieve

Vincent Bartholdi

October 22, 2019

Uncle Mike will be greatly missed. I have so many great memories playing all kinds of sports, watching movies and the guidance he provided.

Lisa Eckstein

October 16, 2019

My heart hurts for the loss of Mike and for what his family is going thru. Know that Mike will always be with you!

Temecula winery fall 2014

Marie Bartholdi

October 14, 2019

Apparently I was afraid of Uncle Mike as a toddler. His feelings may have been hurt, but I was just in awe of him. He was a calm, confident, cool person from the get go.
As a young child, I was impressed with how he could drive through Southern California freeways, navigate the complicated walkways of DisneyLand, and would travel in warships for his job. He also rode a motorcycle, and I remember my grandma Esther being braver than me and taking a ride with him on the back of his around his Riverside neighborhood.
Speaking of my grandmother Esther, one of my most powerful memories of him is when he bravely eulogized her at her funeral in May of 1997. Her death was unexpected and her children were in too much grief to speak, and he stepped up and gave an amazing eulogy on such a sad day. So I will always remember how eloquent he was during one of the worst events of my life.

Uncle Mike taught me about balancing fun with working hard. As a mechanical engineer, he struck a great balance between being a hard worker and also knowing how to live life and enjoy success. I can see this balance that he influenced his sons Dominic and Vincente.
He cared about his kids in a similar way that my parents care about me. His kids were not spoiled and I can see that they worked really hard too. The Badillo and Bartholdi families were similar in that we were transplants to California, our parents had a busy commuter life style, and we had to be latchkey kids. We all grew to be more independent and brave.

But most of all, I have to emphasize how much fun he was. He convinced me to go on a roller coaster at Six Flags Great America with him. He was tech savvy and knew all the funniest TV shows. Uncle Mike enjoyed the simple things in life, and some of my happiest memories with him are shopping for food at Costco, going to movie theaters, and coffee at Starbucks.

Uncle Mike was not a self-centered person, and he made others feel important. He and my Aunt Dolores danced together in the living room while I played a song on the piano, and I was 10 years old. That was my first time playing the piano as a performer, and Uncle Mike didn't care if the song was simple, because he was so supportive of me.

Uncle Mike gave me a pearl necklace when I was about 9 years old. It is a truly beautiful necklace, and I wore to it to a high school dance, piano recitals and my medical school graduation. So he was a positive influence on my life even for those events too.

I give Uncle Mike credit in particular about teaching me to have a good attitude about life while I was in college especially. He gave me perspective to stay positive that will stay with me forever.

I am so disappointed that he has passed away right when I have more free time, but resiliency and strength are traits I will carry with me now, and credit him for showing me by example.

Elvis Acosta

October 13, 2019

I had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Mike for eighteen years. He was one of the first people I met when I got to Corona as a bright-eyed youngster right out of college. His positive attitude and motivating spirit are qualities that I always try to emulate. Mike and I worked together in a variety of different roles over our careers, and in every situation there was always mutual respect and he was always amazing to have on the team, and now looking back I can honestly say he ended up being a very important mentor of mine. I know that his legacy in Corona and his impact on the Navy will continue on, for I am only one of many that he influenced and affected and we will continue to remember and work to make him proud. Mike I am sincerely grateful for your friendship and the leader you helped me become; I will miss you and thank you for all that you did for me.

Cassandra Walton

October 13, 2019

Mike was a great man & I'm so happy I got the privilege to be able to know him. He was smart, funny & always so kind to me & my family. My heart still hurts for you Dolores, Dominic, Vincent & the rest of the family & friends who mourn. Take comfort in your happy memories & know he is in a better place than this, without pain, watching over us. We miss you Mike! xo

Dolores Sanchez Badillo

October 13, 2019

Michael. Dolores. Dominic Vincent. Your Big Four. Youre forever in our Hearts, Michael B. ❤ Dois

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