Joseph W. Padilla

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected and sudden passing of Joseph W. Padilla on April 25, 2025, at his home in Montezuma. He was born on September 2, 1947, in Las Vegas, NM to Alfonso and Lucinda Lucero Padilla. Joseph was a lifelong resident of Montezuma, NM.
He graduated from Robertson High School in 1965. After high school, he attended New Mexico Tech for one year before returning back home to Las Vegas to achieve both a Bachelor's and Masters of Science in Math, Physics, and Chemistry at New Mexico Highlands University. He also earned a K-12 Administrative Certificate.
On July 8, 1967 Joseph married the love of his life, Jacqueline Lujan, at Immaculate Conception Church. Together they shared 57 years of marriage and raised two children, Katherine Padilla Sanchez and Carlos Padilla.
As a young man, Joseph began working at the New Mexico Behavioral Hospital. After his attendant role, he embarked on a 30+ year long career in education, beginning as a teacher at Memorial Middle School. He taught all grade levels, eventually working his way up to be superintendent of Las Vegas City Schools -notably, the first graduate of Robertson High to do so.
Joseph had many interests. He was an avid ice skater. He was a member of the Hawks Hockey team. He enjoyed playing chess, hunting, and riding his Harley. One of his greatest accomplishments was building his own home.
Upon retirement, he became very active in his community. He loved being at the farm in Los Vigiles and was heavily involved in the Los Vigiles land grant. Joseph served his community as mayordomo of the Acequia Madre de Los Vigiles and was a member of the New Mexico Acequia Commission. He advocated for land grant and acequia rights as part of his duties in several official positions. Joseph and Jacque were mayordomos of the Saint Joseph's church in Montezuma.
Together Joseph and Jacque share five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, who were the apple of his eye. He loved spending time with them. He treasured these visits, their visits.
He is survived by his wife Jacqueline Padilla; children, Katherine Padilla Sanchez (John) and Carlos Padilla; grandchildren; Arturo Sanchez (Antonio), Amanda Sanchez (Mike Jr.), Alicia Sanchez, and Andrea Sanchez (Toby); and great grandsons, Josiah Joseph "JJ" and Luca.
His God children are Andrea Sanchez, Armando Coca, Alfonso Padilla, Aaron Padilla, and Erica McElroy.
He is survived by his in-laws, Geraldine Lujan, Mary Grace Montoya (Ron), Sylvia Lujan-Saad, Patricio C. Lujan (Gloria), Eileen Coca, Estefanita Rawlings (David), and Monica Tavenner (John).
He is survived by many nieces and nephews; Angela (Mike), Gilbert Jr. (Angela), Donald (Geri), Cynthia (Johnny), Lorraine (Gary), Louis, Gina, Yolanda (Robert), Diane (Andy), Anita (Marvin), Monica (Alberto), Bianca, Patricio, Armando (Adriana), Mario (Ruth), Reyna, Sarah (Justin), Henry (Heather), John Carlos, and Diego. He is survived by many other nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, and numerous good friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Alfonso Padilla and Lucinda Lucero Padilla; sisters, Sally Garcia Martinez (Carlos) and Helen Martinez; brother, Gilbert Padilla; grandson, Carlos Julian Padilla; nephews, Roderick Padilla and Charles Martinez; father-in-law, Patricio Lujan; mother-in-law, Mary N. Lujan; niece, Aspen Rawlings; and brothers in law, Mark Saad, and Ray Coca.
Eulogy will be delivered by granddaughter Andrea Sanchez.
The Rosary will be recited at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church on Monday, May 12th at 7:00 PM, with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow on Tuesday, May 13th at 9:00 AM, celebrated by Father Rob Yaksich. Interment will follow at Los Vigiles Cemetery. Pallbearers will include: Carlos Padilla, Arturo Sanchez, Tobias Ortega, Gilbert Padilla Jr., Patricio C. Lujan, Vidal Quintana, Eddie Quintana, Ruben Lucero. Honorary Pallbearers will be all his remaining grandchildren and great grandsons.
Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Avenue, Las Vegas, New Mexico. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Hall Repair Fund, 403 Valencia Street, Las Vegas, NM 87701.
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