Max Padilla

Max Padilla, 96, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family members on May 16, 2023. Max was born in the town of Urdaneta in Pangasinan, Philippines to the late Gaudencia Padilla. He is predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Dolores, and his daughter, Kathy.

A Guerilla fighter in the Philippines when the Japanese invaded, he served as a guide to the US forces during WWII. He joined the US Navy in 1946 and retired as a Chief Petty Officer after 20 years of exemplary service. He founded Max’s Jewelers with numerous locations that included local Navy bases for more than 20 years.

Max’s pride and joy was his family. He loved hosting large family gatherings where he proudly displayed his notable culinary skills.

Max and Dolores could always be found dancing at the backyard barbeques and the large formal celebrations. He loved music and taught himself to play beautiful songs on his ukelele.

Max was an avid bowler, having his 90th Birthday celebration at the bowling alley. He actively bowled until he was 93 years old.

He loved to go fishing and crabbing, feasting on the plentiful catches with his family.

Max will be fondly remembered by all who knew him as the sweet patriarch who fiercely loved his wife, children, and grandchildren, proudly displaying countless pictures and trophies in his home.

Max is survived by his children, Max Padilla, Jr (Rose), Rosita Padilla (Stephanie) and Margie Ferguson (Mike); grandchildren Michele (Josh), Marisa, Michael, Lauren, and Brittany.

A visitation will be from 6-8 pm Tuesday May 23, 2023, at Woodlawn Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be conducted at 10 am on Wednesday May 24 at St Gregory the Great Catholic Church. Interment will follow immediately after the service at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.woodlawnnorfolk.com