Joseph Francis Padilla

Joe was born in Merced, CA on October 16, 1926 to Ysidoro and Frances Padilla. Joe attended Our Lady of Mercy elementary school and Merced High School. Joseph always had an entrepreneurial spirit and starting at the age of eight he began delivering newspapers and selling homemade root beer and ice cream in the community, especially sporting events. In 1943, Joe joined the Merchant Marines and spent WWII in the Asia-Pacific region. After the war, he reenlisted and served in the Marines. After his service, Joe went to electrician’s school in Chicago using his military veteran benefits. He founded Best Electric in Merced, which has been in business since 1973. Joe was also a passionate cattleman and raised beef cattle on his ranch in Merced Falls.

Joe married Joanna Salvadori in 1950 after meeting at a dance in 1949. Over eight years the couple welcomed four children into their Merced home. He was passionate about providing for his family and worked hard to ensure the best life for his children. Joe and Joanna were avid travelers and enjoyed numerous trips around the globe, always remembering to bring back gifts for their children and grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his wife Joanna Padilla; brother Louis Padilla; sister Mary Padilla; daughter Theresa Soares; son-in-law Steven Soares; son-in-law Daniel Macedo; daughter-in-law Nanette Barce Padilla; grandchildren Rebecca Macedo, Stephanie Macedo, David Soares, Thomas Soares, Charles Padilla, Christina Padilla and Jennifer Hawkins; and great-grandchildren Chawncee Padilla, Jayden Padilla, Michael Hawkins, Haley Hawkins and Gabriella Hawkins. He is preceded in death by his children Linda Macedo, Martin Padilla and Michael Padilla and his brothers John, David, Manuel, and Robert Padilla.

Visitation will be held at Stratford Evans Mortuary on Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 1 to 5 p.m. with Rosary at 4 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, with a reception to follow in the church hall. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Joe’s life. Burial will be held at 11:30 on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice or one listed below.

Charities:

Valley Children’s Hospital in Fresno - https://donate.valleychildrens.org/donate

Honor Flight - https://www.honorflight.org/donate-now/

Cancer Society - https://donate.cancer.org/index

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.