Oscar Padilla, prominent civic leader, global humanitarian and insurance executive passed peacefully January 17, 2017 in San Diego. He was 92. Padilla was born August 23, 1924 in El Centro California, the son of Dario and Concepcion Padilla. He is a graduate of Calexico High School.
Padilla served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1943 to 1946, honorably discharged with rank of Master Sergeant. During that period in Germany he met and fell in love with Margarete Kurten who subsequently in April 1947, at age 19, flew to America to marry her beloved ‘Oscar’, destined to become his wife of 69 years. Married June 1, 1947, their ceremony in English and German, marked Calexico’s first night wedding.
Padilla’s military service continued at home, serving in the California National Guard from 1946 to 1953, honorably discharged with rank of First Lieutenant, Company Commander.
From his small office on Second Street in downtown Calexico he founded Oscar Padilla Insurance in 1951, pioneering auto insurance for motorists driving to Mexico.
Business expanding, opportunities beyond Calexico beckoning him, Padilla moved to San Diego in June 1968, settling in Point Loma.
In 1969 his entrepreneurial instincts accounted for the first drive-thru automobile insurance service in the United States, and in 1985 the first automated insurance service by telephone, Phone-A-Policy.
Padilla’s mantra of ‘giving back’ started young, his civic endeavors in the early 1960s included President of the Calexico Chamber of Commerce, Director of Calexico Housing Authority, Director of Calexico Redevelopment Agency, and Chairman of the Calexico Chapter of American Red Cross. In 1965 he helped spearhead the establishment of San Diego State University’s satellite campus in Calexico.
His community spirit manifested itself in San Diego as, to name but a few, a member of the Board of Directors of the YMCA, the National Board of Directors of YMCA, UCSD Hispanic Scholarship Council, and the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum, helping establish the permanent display of the USS Midway.
Padilla’s invaluable community service did not go unnoticed. His local political appointments included the San Diego City Planning Commission (1972 - 1980), San Diego Stadium Authority Board of Governors (1984-1992), Chairman of the Governor’s Small Business Advisory Council (1986-1989), and appointment by then-California Governor Ronald Reagan as member to Commission of Californias, with the purpose of enriching California and Baja California relations.
The national and international stage started to illuminate Padilla’s humanitarianism. He was appointed by President Gerald Ford as U.S. delegate to the 19th session of UNESCO held in Nairobi, Kenya for the term 1976–1977. In 1991 Padilla earned his highest honor, appointed U.S. Representative to the United Nations by President George H. W. Bush for the term 1991 – 1992, his crowning moment coming October 21, 1991 delivering the International Atomic Energy Agency's annual report to the General Assembly.
Oscar Padilla’s heartfelt, sincere generosity was without boundaries, both in his community and in his home. His fuel was kindness, driven by sole purpose of improving others’ lives, whether they be fellow citizen in his community or across the globe; whether they be business associate or friend, or whether they be his most cherished ones, his loving family, who so adored him and will miss him indescribably. Missing his warm and caring soul, his shining example, his unwavering integrity, his fundamental goodness, and his razor sharp wit that lied camouflaged behind twinkling eyes never dimming.
He is survived by his wife, Margarete, and two children: Michael Padilla (Kelly Emberg) of San Diego, and Peter John Padilla (Patricia Pavin) of San Diego. He returns to the arms of his precious daughter, Tina, who preceded him in death in 1966.
Until his passing, Padilla presided over a family that included five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The entire Padilla family extends their deepest appreciation to Jerry Aguas for his loving care of Oscar Padilla since 2011.
Memorial mass will be held Wednesday, February 1, 2017, 11am at St Agnes Parish in Point Loma. Private burial to follow on separate date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in his memory to the YMCA.
Arrangements under the direction of Beardsley-Mitchell Funeral Home, San Diego, CA.
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