Gilbert D. Padilla

G
ilbert David Padilla (Gil) was born on February 18, 1946, in Brighton, Colorado. He was the fifth of nine children born to Pedro and Confe Padilla. He is survived by four siblings, Victor (Irene) Padilla, Polly Clifford, Elizabeth Verdeal, and Linda LeBallister, and by his brother-in-law, Bob Grabowski. He was preceded in death by Emma Padilla, Mary Ann Padilla, Joe Padilla, and JC Padilla. Gil graduated from Brighton High School in 1964, and from the University of Colorado in 1968.
Gil was married to the love of his life, the girl he declared in the fifth grade he would one day win over. He and Elaine (Silver) were together for fifty years, until her death in 2014, and they delighted in their children and grandchildren, Peter (Alan Leyba) Padilla and their son, Michael; Jo (Gerald Shumaker) Pinto and their daughter, Sarah; and Jonna (Joel Flancher) Padilla and their children, Jack and Abby. They were fierce protectors, fun playmates, and engaging teachers. Gil was a Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader, a wrestling and football coach, and a volunteer and mentor for several generations of kids across Brighton. He hugged, tackled, wrestled to the ground, and fed grass to nearly every person he met in 79 years.
Known for his sense of adventure, childlike wonder, and unrelenting sense of humor, Gil made every day of his life epic. He was a construction supervisor at Western Specialty Contractors, and he loved to recount his adventures at the top of every skyscraper in the region. He loved camping and hiking with his friends, and he had a series of breakfast and dinner dates across the metro area. When his own children couldn't keep up with his social schedule, he filled it with all of the people he loved.
Gil is surely reunited with his true love, and he is once again in the company of his many friends and family members. His legacy of love, fun, and humor is without equal, and he has entrusted each of us to carry it forward.
Please join family and friends in remembering and celebrating Gil Padilla on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Brighton Armory, 300 Strong Street, Brighton CO 80601. His favorite lunch, Santiago's, will be provided, and we'll share stories, laugh, and cry together as we send Gil off on his next adventure. Please wear your favorite funny T-shirt and be comfortable, as he would be.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of Gil's favorite causes, the Brighton Wrestling Club (BrightonWrestling.org) and Almost Home (www.almosthomeline.org).
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