Casey Padilla, longtime Babylon Village resident
by Carolyn James

It was only about five years ago that Casey Padilla's children learned that the longtime Babylon Village resident was a decorated veteran of World War II. While information was a surprise, the fact that their father had never spoken about his bravery and accomhe plishments over decades was not.

"He was a very quiet man with a tremendous sense of honor," said his daughter Louise Ann. "He taught each and every one of his children and grandchildren that it was the way you lived your life that was important, not what you collected; not money. He had a simple life and took pleasure in everyday things."

Mr. Padilla, 82, died June 30, 2007. He and his wife Rita, who survives him, were married 60 years.

Mr. Padilla served in the U.S. Army and received the E.T.O. w/expert Badget w/Rifle Bar; Combat Medic; Bronze Star Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster; Bronze Arrowhead. He participated in the North/ South Championship Football Game in the Spaghetti Bowl, Italy, between 74th Sta., Hosptial and 552 Port Batallion.

"My father had a phenomenal sense of humor and never betrayed a trust," said his daughter. "Whatever anyone told to him in confidence went with him the day he died."

Born in New York City, Mr. Padilla moved to Babylon 56 years ago. He worked as a Volkswagen- Porsch-Audi manager in Roslyn and Amityville. He also belonged to the Holy Name Society in Our Lady of Grace R.C., Church, West Babylon and was a longtime and avid member of the Werner's Bowling League in Lindenhurst.

It was at that bowling alley that Mr. Padillo met and became friends with Lindenhurst Village Mayor Tom Brennan. "He was a very nice man, always smiling," said Brennan, who added that he is not surprised to hear about Mr. Padilla's service during World War II. "He was a very humble man."

In addition to his wife and daughter, Mr. Padilla is survived by his other children: Gary, Casey J., Michael, Kathy, Joseph, James, Raymond and Frances. His grandchildren John Paul, Gina, Aidan, Tim, Lauren, C.J., Danielle, Nicole, Christopher, Nicholas, Joseph, Danny, Ashley, Jamie, Samantha, Amanda, "Sempai" Adam and Raymond, and his great grandchildren John Daniel and Andrew Alexander also survive him as do his many sistersand brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Mr. Padilla reposed at the Lindenhurst Funeral Home, South Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst until Thursday, July 5 when a Mass of Christian Burial was said at Our Lady of Perpetual Help R.C. Church, Interment followed in National Cemetery at Pinelawn.

The family has requested that donations in Mr. Padilla's name be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, Port Jefferson, NY for the facility Michael andW illiam Johnson are developing (www.goodshepherd-hospice.net

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