Roberto Padilla

Son of Roberto Padilla Pagán and Elis D. Marrero (both deceased) of Dorado, Puerto Rico, he was born on February 18, 1953 in Ft. Clayton, Panama Canal Zone, Panama. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York and Vega Baja, Puerto Rico.

Roberto, known as Bob to his friends, began his service in the U.S. Army on March 16, 1982. A proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division; 25th Infantry Division (Light); 1st Battalion (TS) (ADA) 362nd Regiment. He retired from the U.S. Army on June 1, 2003. He, also, retired from the Florida Division of Motorist Services as a Compliance Examiner in February, 2018.

We remember Bob for his willingness and kindness to help others. A lover of music, laughter, and dancing salsa, Bob was known best for his skills as a conga player, having a good time anywhere he went, having a stiff drink, and a joke on standby. He brought color and laughter into the world.

He is survived by his spouse: Shirley Padilla, his children: Jesse Padilla, Marielis Padilla, Johnny Wayne Hicks , his sister: Mildred Padilla and her children: Jahaira Vázquez, José Vázquez, Dámaso Vázquez and his grandchildren: Nilmarie Barraso, Ángel Barraso, Chaz Padilla, Jasmine Padilla, Carmella Padilla Gambling, and Orion Padilla Gambling.

His Celebration of Life will be held at The Preserve at Wilderness Lake Lodge, located at 21320 Wilderness Lake Boulevard, Land O' Lakes, FL 34637 on March 10, 2024 at 3pm.