Christopher Padilla

Christopher "Chris" Padilla was born to Robert "Max" Padilla and Sallie (Acosta) Padilla in San Fernando, California in 1961. Chris grew up in Barrio Logan and City Heights, graduating from Herbert Hoover High School in 1978. While at Hoover he participated in football, track and wrestling. He served as ASB President his senior year. He went on to the University of Southern California where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs in 1982. While at USC he was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity and President of his Pledge Class. After graduation, he was employed with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company in San Diego where he quickly rose through the ranks and became Sales Manager. In 1997, he founded Interface Inc., an internet-based mail services business that developed the proprietary software program, iMailTracking. The business was later sold to Atlanta-based Prommis Solutions, LLC where Chris served as Vice President and Director of West Coast Ancillary Services. Chris believed in giving back to his community. He served on the Planning Commission of the City of La Mesa in the early '90s. He also believed that mentoring youth was imperative in helping them achieve success. Over the years he coached Pop Warner Football, flag-football at St. Martin of Tours Academy, and high school football at St. Augustine High School. In recent years he established the Padilla Family Foundation and made the Barrio Logan College Institute (BLCI) its' first beneficiary. Chris served on the Board of Directors and assisted with preparing youth for college. Additionally, he was recently honored with the Hoover High School Distinguished Alumni Award for his philanthropic work with the school. Chris lost his battle with cancer which was diagnosed only earlier this year. He passed peacefully on December 1, 2012 surrounded by family.

Chris is survived by his high school sweetheart Margaret Archuleta Padilla and their two children Alexander and Samantha; his grandmother Gloria Acosta; his parents Max and Sallie; his brothers Anthony and Richard "Rick" (Josephine Rallo); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be held on December 15, 2012 at the Church of St. Luke, 1980 Hillsdale Road, El Cajon, CA 92019. Internment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum, 4470 Hilltop Drive, San Diego, CA.

A special memorial has been set up to honor Chris. Contributions may be made to the Barrio Logan College Institute (BLCI) at www.blci.org. Click on the 'Donate Now' tab then scroll down to Chris'Memorial. Checks may be sent to BLCI, 1807 Main Street, San Diego, CA 92113.