Antonio "Tony" Flores Padilla

Antonio “Tony” Flores Padilla, age 82, passed away peacefully at home in San Rafael, New Mexico, on Sunday, September 21, 2025. He was surrounded by his loving wife Carole, his children, caregiver Amanda, and his faithful dog, Zoey.

Tony was born on November 6, 1942, in Salem, New Mexico, to Manuel and Eustasia Flores Padilla. As a young adult, he remained in Salem, working diligently to support his family of four children. After graduating from high school in Hatch, New Mexico, Tony joined the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged. While continuing to support his family, he attended New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico where he earned a degree in Drafting.

Upon graduation, Tony began his career with the New Mexico Highway Department as a Construction Technician. Through hard work and dedication, he rose to the position of Project Manager, successfully leading several major road and infrastructure projects. He served the department for 25 years and retired in 1996. Tony was widely respected not only for his technical skill and strong work ethic but also for his deep knowledge of road construction across the state. Tony was known for his incredible memory, often described as photographic with his ability to recall information quickly and in detail; a trait his children often admired and spoke about.

After retirement, Tony found joy on his farm in Salem, where he planted hay and chili and spent peaceful days outdoors. A lifelong lover of horses, he always had one as a companion. He also enjoyed fishing in Northern New Mexico, where he and Carole would spend weeks camping and fishing with friends. Tony cherished time with his family and close friends, held deep admiration for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and loved his siblings dearly. He will be remembered for his love of horses, his devotion to farming, his tireless work ethic, and the unique and original qualities that defined his character.

Tony is survived by his wife, Carole Rea Padilla, of San Rafael, New Mexico. The couple met in 1994 and married in 2016. He is also survived by his children: • Harvey Padilla and wife Martha of Pettus, Texas • Jimmy Padilla and wife Maria of Carlsbad, New Mexico • Shirley Padilla of Spokane, Washington • Ray Padilla of Carlsbad, New Mexico • Ryan Rea and wife Wendy of Las Vegas, Nevada • McKenize Russell of Albuquerque, New Mexico 

Tony is also survived by his sisters: • Helen Molina of Las Cruces, New Mexico • Irene Ramirez of Northridge, California • Rafaela Galindo of El Paso, Texas • Josie Fuentes of Silver City, New Mexico

Tony is also survived by eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren: Dustin Padilla, William Padilla, Zachary Padilla, Kayla Miranda, Isaac Miranda, Isaiah Padilla, Leoni Padilla, Bryanna Padilla, Brooklynn Rea, Isabella Rea, and Mia Rodriguez.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Eustasia Padilla; his sister, Mary Anderson; and brothers Manuel Padilla and Edward Padilla.

He was preceded in death by three grandchildren: Anthony Padilla, Alyse Sanchez, and Ryan Padilla; and two great-grandchildren, Justice Miranda and Katrina Sanchez. He is remembered by his many nieces and nephews, who affectionately called him “Tío Tony.”

Honorary pallbearers include Dustin Padilla, William Padilla, Zachary Padilla, Kayla Miranda, Isaac Miranda, Isaiah Padilla, Leoni Padilla, Bryanna Padilla, Brooklynn Rea, Isabella Rea, and Mia Rodriguez.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. M.T., at San Rafael Church, 100 Guadalupe Plaza, San Rafael, New Mexico. A reception will immediately follow the memorial service to be held at Milan Parks & Recreation Center, 407 Airport Road, Milan, New Mexico.