Mariano Padilla

Mariano Patricio Padilla, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of his family June 17, 2026, at his home in Canon City, Colorado. 

Born on July 22, 1948, to Fannie Gaalaas and Dilo Orlando Padilla, Mariano lived a life defined by hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved. On May 28, 1966, he married the love of his life, Elaine Josephine Padilla. Together they built a family rooted in love, faith, tradition, and resilience, sharing nearly five decades of marriage and countless cherished memories. Mariano was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elaine Padilla; his daughter, Patricia Padilla; his grandson, Skylar; his father, Dilo Orlando Padilla; his mother, Fannie Gaalaas; and his nephew, Austin Worrell.

He is survived by his children, Ken (Patti) Padilla, Arlo Padilla, ex-daughter-in-law Leanne Padilla and Lisa (Shane) Fowler; and his cherished grandchildren, Nicole Richardson, Joey Swanson, Jennifer Ulibarri, Joey Swanson, Crystal Perez, April Padilla, Kenneth Padilla, Kindel Padilla, Raeann (Kiefer) Rojas, Anthony (Jessica) Wendt, Courtney Padilla, and Grayson Padilla.

He also leaves behind his treasured great-grandchildren: Christopher Halton, Hailey Halton, Ariella Richardson, Araya Marquez, Brooke Wendt, Penny Wendt, Aiden Schaffer, Luke Schaffer, Quinn Rojas, Max Rojas, Tommy Rojas, Oliver Rojas, Levi Jackson, and Micah Miller.

Mariano is also survived by his siblings, Elaine (Dave) Rael, Leroy (Brenda) Padilla, Kathy Worrell, and Roger (Lana) Gaalaas and numerous nephews and nieces.

A hardworking and dedicated man, Mariano spent many years as a small engine mechanic working on motorcycles which was a passion of his before building a career in Colorado's mining industry. He worked in several mines throughout the state, most recently with Cotter Corporation, where he drilled for uranium. He was a proud and devoted member of the Mine Rescue Team at Cotter Corporation in Golden, Colorado, participating in numerous mine rescue and drilling competitions throughout the state.

On July 1, 1987, Mariano began a new chapter in his career with the Colorado Department of Corrections. He faithfully served for more than 20 years before retiring on December 1, 2008. During his career, he proudly served as a member of the Centennial Correctional Facility Emergency Response Team for 17 years, earning the respect of his colleagues through his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to service.

Outside of work, Mariano embraced life through the outdoors. He loved fishing the waters of Antero Reservoir, Eleven Mile Reservoir, and Spinney Mountain Reservoir, where family and friends often joked that he always managed to out fish everyone else. He spent countless days camping and pursuing trophy trout in the Colorado mountains.

Hunting was another passion, and he proudly carried on a family tradition of annual hunting trips in the same area alongside his lifelong friend, Chuck Martinez, and the Martinez family. Those trips were something he looked forward to all year long. Mariano had a favorite hunting spot where you could almost always find him. His patience, skill, and love for the outdoors brought him great success and even greater joy. Over the years, he built a lifetime of memories in the mountains, sharing stories, laughter, and traditions with family and friends.

In his younger years, Mariano enjoyed racing motocross, a sport he loved with great enthusiasm. He also found joy in listening to music, playing poker, and spending weekends gathered with family in his backyard, barbecuing, laughing, and making memories that will be treasured forever.

Mariano will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of the outdoors, his dedication to family, and his ability to bring people together. His wisdom, humor, generosity, and unwavering love touched the lives of many and will never be forgotten.

Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the traditions he created, and the countless memories he leaves behind. His life was a testament to hard work, loyalty, friendship, and love—a life truly well lived.

Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Canon City with graveside service to follow at Mountain Vale Cemetery.  We will have a reception with food and drinks provided at St. Michael’s following the services. 

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