Lemuel Padilla's Obituary
Lemuel Padilla, 63 May 19, 1959-December 2, 2022.
Beloved father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend.
Lem was born in Paterson, New Jersey. Lem's family moved to West Milford NJ, where he attended West Milford High School. Lem was a scholar athlete participating in track & field and cross country running. He was a select early graduate, completing his junior & senior year in one year. Lem then went on to be a career veteran in the US Navy, serving in communications.
Music was always at the center of his life, it gave him many good times, got him through the rough times, and he loved to share music with others. Lem was also an avid sports fan, football, basketball, baseball, hockey, both college and professional, he followed them all. Among his favorite professional sports teams were The Kansas City Chiefs, The New York Yankees, The New York Knicks, The New York Rangers, and of course all Arizona teams. The most meaningful and proudest moment of his life was the birth of his daughter Lynn (Jason Trent) who survived him in his passing. Lem was also predeceased by his loving mother, whom he adored, Mary Vail; His Stepfather Thomas Vail; His brother Paul Padilla; His sisters Anna Padilla-Ramos, Wanda Padilla-Wells (Carl Plunkett), and Martha Padilla-Hartke (Dan Hartke);
Nieces Megan Sauber, Alyssa Richie, Brittany Padilla, Sarah Padilla, Paige Padilla, Lissette Ramos, Maria Hartke; Nephews Chas Wells, Denver Wells and Hector Ramos; Many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Great Nieces & Great Nephews, and many friends. Lem will always be remembered as a mellow and kind soul who accepted others without judgement. Gone too soon you are now a "Star in the Path of the Skies," "How Wonderful Life was (is), while you were (are), in the World," (words from Elton John songs, Lem's all time favorite solo artist).
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