Ricardo Padilla Jr., 68, better known as "Boy", "Rich", or "Coach Padilla", lived an adventurous and joyful life.
He was born in Silver City, New Mexico, on March 27, 1957, to Ricardo "Dickie" Padilla and Isidra "Chila" Padilla. He grew up and lived throughout the Southwest and West Coast, including Tucson, Arizona; San Jose, California; Silver City, Hurley, and Las Cruces, New Mexico. Boy passed away peacefully at home in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with his loving wife and family by his side during the lunar eclipse on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
He is survived by his wife, Maria "Avi" G. Padilla; his children, Anthony Padilla, Erico Padilla, Alyssa Padilla and husband Chris Edwards, David Rodriguez, and Olivia Rodriguez; his grandchildren, Marcus Padilla,(Sabrina), Elizabeth Herrera, Allison Herrera, Jayden Herrera, Jared Rodriguez, and Isabella Rodriguez; and his great-grandchild, Colton Padilla; He is also survived by his siblings, Emilia Padilla, Stevan Padilla (Brenda), Evangeline Montoya (Mike), Sara Montoya, Rachel Gallosa,(Hector) and Lisa Trewern. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dickie and Chila Padilla, his brother-in-law John Trewern, and his nephew Eddie Montoya.
Ricardo was passionate about what he loved – especially the people he loved. He was a devoted husband, and father, uncle, and provider who always showed up for his family. He was the kind of dad who helped his mijos finish their science fair projects late into the night and who was always there for kids, whether they were his or not. He was a loving uncle and Nino, mentoring young folks in life through sports, education, and listening.
Boy would give you the shirt off his back. He was selfless, protective, and dependable. He never forgot a birthday. A role model and a man of many talents, he seemed to be too good at just about anything. A real boy scout, he could build a house from the ground up while programming embedded microprocessors at IBM, all while coaching teams and co-raising teenagers, with Judy.
Ricardo was thoughtful, caring, and endlessly curious. A teacher, mentor, and builder, he was a dependable, smart tech enthusiast – a lifelong learner and self-taught inventor. During his 25- year career at IBM, he earned multiple influential patents. A brilliant engineer and role model, he proudly called himself a "rocket scientist".
He was also a jokester – silly, witty, and always quick with a laugh and his radiant smile. He loved adventurous hikes in nature and had a deep interest in Southwestern history, always searching for answers to our Indigenous stories. He loved playing and coaching sports. Known to many as Coach Padilla, he believed in the joy of the game and was a master of his craft. Baseball, softball, volleyball, basketball, football – you name it. Boy was an athlete through and through.
He was impulsive in the best ways – like spontaneous middle-of-the night McDonald's ice cream sundaes. He had the best "dad dance" and loved cruising on his motorcycle. He enjoyed movies and popcorn, Mountain Dew with peanuts, In-N-Out, breakfast burritos, Poco y Mom's, Brawley's and especially menudo, enchiladas and frijoles made by Avi and his mama Chila. He was friendly and sociable; the kind of person people could turn to when they needed someone to listen. He was understanding, calm and steady. One of the best men we could have had in our lives.
Thank you for everything. We love you always and forever, Ricardo, Boy Dad.
Visitation will be Tuesday, March 10th at 10am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the holy rosary to commence at 10:30am with Deacon Art Gutierrez reciting. The funeral mass will follow 12pm at Infant Jesus Shrine with Father Casmir Anozie officiating. Pallbearers are Anthony Padilla, Erico Padilla, Alyssa Padilla, Marcus Padilla, Noah Trewern and Tim Vande Zande.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
