Abraham R. Padilla
July 16, 1948 - November 20, 2020

Abraham R. Padilla was born in Los Banos on July 16, 1948 to the late Abraham C. and Clementina Padilla. He graduated from Los Banos High in 1966 and attended Kentucky State University on a four year athletic scholarship, graduating in 1971 with a BA in language. When he graduated from college he left holding the record for the 10,000 meter run for state colleges and universities for the state of Kentucky.
Upon graduation, he spent two years in the US Marine Corp as an MP stationed in Bermuda, where he also went onto set the 10,000 meter run record for the commonwealth of Bermuda, which still stands.
After leaving the marines he went onto obtain his Master's Degree from Fresno State in Recreation Administration.
He served as recreation supervisor in Los Banos for 2 years, before taking the same position in Livingston, CA.
He was instrumental in starting many of the city's recreational programs, including summer softball leagues, instituted the Junior High teen club, started and maintained the city soccer program.
He was a high school referee officiating basketball and volleyball games and a sports announcer for KLBS-FM radio announcing Tiger football games.
In the late 80"s Abe moved his family back to Kentucky where he worked as a quality control inspector for Toyota manufactory for 25 years. Upon retiring, he became the track and field coach for Georgetown College from 1996 to 2008. In his many years coaching, he took his students to numerous National Meets and was named Mio-south conference Women's Coach of the Year in 2001, 2002 and 2004. He laid the foundation for many track programs still held at Georgetown College Kentucky.
He was known as a hardworking, dedicated, passionate, a man of decency and great morals. He will be missed greatly by those whose lives were touched by him in sports or in life, Rest in Peace Coach Abe!
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Irene Roselli, brother-in-law Sam Roselli, sister-in-law Shirley Padilla.
Abe was survived by his wife Cathy, daughter Terra Adema; sons George, Gerald, William, six grandchildren and one great grandchild born in December, sister Alex (Padilla) Cardoza, brother Donald A. Padilla, nieces Rachel Padilla, Nina (Tamayo) Roselli, Lexie Cardoza, nephews Douglas Padilla, Nick Roselli and Lucas Cardoza.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 2pm at the Los Banos Cemetery District.

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