Richard "Buzzy" Padilla

Richard M. ‘Buzzy’ Padilla, 78, died on November 5th at home in Santa Fe, New Mexico surrounded by his family after battling a lengthy illness. He will be remembered as a dedicated family man whose passion for public service helped impact many lives in our community.
Buzzy was born on September 20, 1940 in Santa Fe to Oliver & Louise Padilla. He graduated from St. Michaels High School in 1959 then received his degree in Education from the College of Santa Fe. He went on to postgraduate studies at the University of New Mexico and court-related studies at University of Texas School of Law.
He began his career in the early 1960’s as a Juvenile Probation and Parole Officer. He went on to become director of the state Children Youth and Families Department’s Community Service Division. He was first elected to the Santa Fe Board of Education in 1974. Where he served three four-year terms, including board president. During this time, he also served as a volunteer Fire Fighter with the Santa Fe Fire Department.
Buzzy was first elected to the bench in 1994. He served five four-year terms, where he had a thoughtful but stern presence on the bench who possessed both a sharp legal mind and empathy for families and the youth of our community. He retired as a Santa Fe County Magistrate Judge in 2013. During this time, he was an active member of the Santa Fe Fiesta Council, St. Michael’s Foundation, Santa Fe Elks Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police, and the Santa Fe Boys & Girls Club.
He was married to his loving wife Emma on May 29, 1970. They raised 2 children, Melissa & Rick. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, spending time up north at his cabin in La Puente, working in his yard and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. You could always find him at one of the many sporting events his grandchildren participate in.
Buzzy is survived by his wife of 48 years, Emma, his daughter Melissa & husband George, his son Rick & wife Melissa, his grandchildren Anthony, Molly, Luke, Matthew, Michael & Katelyn, great-granddaughter Liliana, his brother, sisters, and many nieces, nephews and godchildren.
Services will be held on Tuesday November 13, 2018 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Rosary at 9:00 am, Mass at 10:00 am. Burial to follow at Santa Fe Memorial Gardens.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to his caregivers, Amber care, Home Instead, & Home Dialysis of Santa Fe for whom will be forever grateful. In lieu of flowers his family has requested memorial contributions be directed in his name to St. Michael's High School Foundation, P.O. Box 22563, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87592, or the Boy's and Girl's Club of Santa Fe/Del Norte P.O. Box 29805, Santa Fe, NM 87592.