TORRES RODOLFO PADILLA

WO1 Rodolfo "Rudy" Padilla Torres was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 05/01/2014 at the age of 66.0
Monterey Park, CA
Flight Class 69-47
Date of Birth 04/26/1948
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 174 AHC in 70-71
Call sign in Vietnam DOLPHIN 27
This information was provided by Lucille Torres - Wife

More detail on this person: Rodolfo Padilla Torres Rodolfo Padilla Torres was born in Guadalajara, Mexico on April 26, 1948 to Antonia and Ramon Torres. On May 1st, 2014, at approximately 4:45 PM, he was reunited with them. When Rodolfo was a young boy, he moved to the U.S. with his family. After graduating from Garfield High School, Rodolfo joined the Army, serving four years and two tours of duty in Vietnam as a Huey (helicopter) pilot. Honorably discharged on March 3rd, 1972, and awarded several medals including the Bronze Star, Rodolfo set his sites on continuing his education and feeding his ever-inquisitive mind. At California State Los Angeles, Rodolfo completed his A.S. degree, and started working towards a Bachelor degree. During this period, he gained employment with SoCal Edison as a poly phase test man, and continued there for 37 years. Knowledge, education, and always challenging his mind were very important to him. Every day he challenged himself by solving the San Gabriel Valley Tribune crossword puzzle; cup of coffee in hand and a cigarette. He was also always found with paper and pen, trade or garden tool, fixing, building, or tending to his garden. Mariachi music filled his spirit while keeping busy. Being a natural green thumb, Rodolfo would share the bounty of figs, squash, various chilies and numerous other vegetables grown in the family garden. Rodolfo was seemingly a master of all trades. He could replace the water pump on his vehicles, repair a leaky faucet or put a new roof on a house. Rodolfo is survived by his wife of 40 years, Lucille Torres, his children, Rodolfo G. and Jesse A. Torres who will forever miss and love him.

Burial information: Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA

This information was last updated 09/17/2020

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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