Gilberto Enrique Padilla, 79, passed away quietly in his home at Los Vigiles on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, surrounded by his family.He was born on Oct. 18, 1934, in Los Vigiles to the late Alfonso Padilla and Lucinda Lucero Padilla.He was a talented football player and pole vaulter. He was an outstanding boxer with several state golden glove championships. He was a paratrooper in the 101 st. Airborne. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and horseman. He loved dogs and horses, making several pack trips into the Pecos wilderness. He was a Montezuma ice-skater. He attended Vegas High School, Highlands University and Pierce College. He was a farm worker, construction laborer, supervisor at the State Hospital and a senior electronic technician at Teledyne. He was a lifelong Catholic. He was a member of the Los Vigiles Land grant. He lived and worked in California and retired to Los Vigiles.He was preceded in death by his son: Roderick Padilla; sister: Sally Martinez; mother-in-law: Bernardita Sandoval-Romero; brothers-in-law: Joe Sandoval and Jose Maria Sandoval.He is survived by his wife: Maria Eva; his children: Angela Benavidez and Mike; Gilbert Padilla, Jr., and wife, Angela; Donald Padilla and wife, Geri; Cynthia Garcia and husband, Johnny; step-children: James Lujan and wife, Linda; Peggy Lamont and husband, Eugene; grandchildren: Victoria Seaboy, Derek Benavidez, Brittany Romero, Gilbert Padilla III, Alfonso Padilla, Aaron Padilla, Christina Padilla, Connie, Trina, Tristan, Angela, Raymond and Darrell; numerous great-grandchildren; brother: Joseph Padilla and wife Jacqueline, sister: Helen Martinez, mother of his children: Lucille Gonzales; brothers-in-law: George Sandoval and Prescilla; Carlos Martinez, Pete Sandoval and wife Pita; sisters-in-law: Mary Ulibarri, Irene Sandoval, Viola Gabaldon and husband, Martin and Sally Sandoval; special niece: Jane Ortiz numerous: nieces, nephews and cousins. Rosary services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Las Vegas. Funeral Mass will follow with Father Robert Peccatiello as celebrant. Interment will follow at Los Vigiles Cemetery in Los Vigiles. Cremation has taken place. Please visit our website: www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign our online register book.Arrangements are under the direction of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave Las Vegas, NM. 1-800-479-3511 or 505-425-3511.