Michael S. Padilla

Michael Sandoval Padilla, 76 years old of Albuquerque, New Mexico, stepped into Heaven on Friday, February 22, 2019. He is proceeded in death by his parents Gilbert Sandoval and Mary Jean Padilla; his brother Manuel Sandoval and grandchildren Rachel and Christopher Griego. Michael is survived by his wife of 46 years, MaryAnn Padilla, his children Michael Francis Padilla and wife Bonita Padilla; Terry Jean Padilla Garza and husband Craig Garza, Michelle Pacheco and husband Geoff Pacheco, Andrew M. Padilla and wife Sandra Anaya, Loretta Salinas Gallegos and husband Frank Gallegos and Diana Salinas Griego and husband Richard Griego; his grandchildren Joseph Griego, Sabrina Leija, Dirinez Acevedo, Jacob Corbello and wife Melissa Corbello, Andrew Padilla, Joseph Padilla, Michael A. Padilla, Raylynn Morales, Daniel Anaya, Desiree Pacheco, Geoffrey Pacheco II, Daniel Gallegos and Gabriella Gallegos; and five great-grandchildren Viviana, Adelina, Annalise, Joseph, Delilah and Natalia. Also by his siblings John and wife Charlene Padilla, Shirley and Al Sobtzak, Dorothy Duran and Fiancé Andrew, Lorraine and Beto Romero and MaryLou Montiel, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Michael had many extended family members and friends, whom he had special relationships with. He was a generous and loving person who gave himself whole-heartedly. As a young man he graduated two times from High School, once from Albuquerque High School and also in Germany. He was fluent in three languages, English, Spanish and German. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and he served in Vietnam. He became a USAF Boxer and he was sworn in as a US Marine, where he was an Honorary Marine to be able to fight in the All Marine Invitational Boxing Championship. He was a boxing Champion and he held many other titles, including serving as Sgt.-At-Arms for the American Legion. He had many life experiences where he traveled to many different places and seen many beautiful lands. He was a handyman, a business owner, a salesman, an avid fisherman and a mail handler for the United States Postal Service, the job he retired from. He was a great man who would give the shirt off of his back to anyone that he felt needed help and he was willing to mentor anyone. He had a love for music, dancing, gambling, people that he made into his friends wherever he went, but most of all he loved his family. He lit up the room with his smile and his laugh was contagious. He was a handsome gentleman with a gentle soul. He was also very spiritual and he loved The Lord. Mike enjoyed life every single day and he went home to Heaven doing what made him happy and where he liked to be; with his buddies. He is now with our Lord and he will be missed every single day. His funeral services are as follows: the Rosary will be held at Riverside Funeral Home located at 225 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, on Thursday, 02/28/19, at 6 pm to 8 pm; Mass will be held on Friday, 03/01/19 at 10 a.m., at Holy Ghost Church located at 833 Arizona St. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108; with reception to follow after mass at Zapata Club located at 2723 ½ Isleta Blvd. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105. A full Military Service will be held on Monday, 03/04/19, at 10:30 a.m., at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to: Riverside Funeral Home of Albuquerque 225 San Mateo Blvd. NE (505) 764-9663