Anthony G. Padilla

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Anthony Garcia Padilla, Sr. (Tony) on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the age of 79, after a courageous battle with cancer. Tony was born on September 3, 1945, in Guanajuato, Mexico and at the time of his passing, he resided in Buda, Texas.

Tony's dedication to education was evident throughout his life. He graduated from San Antonio Community College in 1973 with an Applied Science Degree in Business Management. He went on to earn a B.A. in Management with a Minor in Political Science from Southwest Texas State University in 1983.

Tony enjoyed a remarkable 43-year career in the rail industry, retiring in December 2009. His journey began as a General Clerk Freight and Passenger Agent with Southern Pacific Railroad. He continued his dedication to the industry as an Amtrak Passenger Agent in both San Antonio and Austin, Texas. A passionate advocate for workers, Tony also served as the National Legislative and Political Director for the Transportation Communications Union/International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). His unwavering commitment to his fellow brothers and sisters in rail labor played a vital role in the preservation of Amtrak and the improvement of Railroad Retirement benefits during his tenure in Washington, D.C. His tireless efforts on behalf of rail workers continued as he served with the National Association of Retired & Veteran Railway Employees (NARVE) as Area 5 Director, and as a board member of the Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA), further advancing the causes he cared deeply about.

Tony is survived by his loving wife Mary Esther; his sons, Anthony (Betty) Padilla, Jr., James (Jocelyn) Padilla, and Michael Padilla; his daughters, Marie Annette (David) Dionne, Norma (Jose) Martinez, and Jeanette (Peter) Hinds; his grandchildren, Michael Maldonado, Hunter Dionne, Pierce Lovett, Priscilla Gallardo, Alfred Gallardo, Isaac Gallardo, Angel Martinez, Joseph Moore, Kiki Hinds, Samuel Padilla, and Lily Padilla; his great-grandson, Anthony Corona, Jr.; his sisters, Maria Cruz (Gilberto) Sanchez, Maria Isabel de la Cruz, Micaela Rojas; his brothers, Javier (Julia) Padilla, Steve (Norma) Padilla, and Jesse (Marsha) Padilla. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose (Maria Justa) Padilla, and his son, Joseph Padilla.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Tony’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Tony's legacy of love, dedication, and service to others will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.