José de Jesus Padilla

José de Jesús Padilla fought the good fight and entered into glory, at the age if 98, on April 22, 2026, in Santa Fe Springs, California, surrounded by his 5 loving children, many of his grandchildren and one of his many great-grandchildren. He had a beautiful despedida.

José de Jesús (often called by his middle name, Jesús) was born to Pablo Padilla Muñoz and Petra Aguirre in Miami, Arizona, on April 7, 1928. He and his family returned to Mexico when his parents were forced to give up their business and were required to return to Mexico during the Mexican Repatriation of the Great Depression.

José de Jesús returned to the United States when he was 19 years young. Shortly after, he enlisted and proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He often mentioned with pride that he was in England during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and that he was photographed with the queen.

In 1957, Jesús met his future wife Esperanza Estrada in Los Angeles, California. Her brother, José Estrada, introduced them. They fell in love and joined in holy matrimony in January of 1958. They honored their vows and remained married until the time of Esperanza’s passing in December of 2022, just one month shy of their 65th wedding anniversary.

He had a beautiful, strong voice and loved singing and playing his guitar. He sang every chance he got, with mariachis, solo, and was even a contestant on the Cuanto Cuesta el Show! Together with his lovely wife, he sang in the choir and served with devotion at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church for many, many years. They were quite a pair and were often the first ones to get up and dance when the music started.

José de Jesús would show up in a pinch and was there to lend a helping hand to his children and grandchildren. He, more than likely, scolded you for getting into that pinch, nonetheless, he was there to help.

As he got older, he loved spending his days playing sudoku and scratching lottery tickets. He was a good man who loved his family and was a great provider. He now joins our beloved mom, Esperanza, and all of his beloved family and friends who went on to be with the Lord before him.

José de Jesús Padilla is survived by his children, Maria de Lourdes, Pablo (Paul), Amparo, Anna and Martha, 16 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and counting.

Rest in peace Papá, we'll see you when we get there. ❤️