John P. Padula, Jr.

TAUNTON- John P. Padula, Jr., 90, of Taunton, passed away peacefully, on Sunday, July 16, 2023,at Morton Hospital,  surrounded by the love, comfort, and care of his dear family. He was the devoted and loving husband for 65 wonderful years to the love of  his life, Theresa M. (Soares) Padula of Taunton, who he wed on April 27, 1957.

Born in Dover, NH, John was one of nine children born to the late Giovanni and Ernestina (Castrataro) Padula. At a young age, John and his family moved to Taunton, where he would grow up and remain to raise his family.

A proud and patriotic man, at the age of 17, John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War Conflict. Over his three years of service to his country, half of which was foreign service, John achieved the rank of Sergeant. Following his honorable discharge, he was deservedly awarded the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon, UN Service Medal, and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal.

After returning home from the military, John spent time working at Reed & Barton. Having the desire to continue serving, John decided to join the Taunton Fire Department, where he would have a wonderful 32 year career, until his well deserved retirement.

In his spare time, John enjoyed woodworking, cooking and spending time outdoors hunting and camping. Above all, he was most happy when spending time and making memories with his dear family.

In addition to his wife of 65 years, John is survived by his children: Shaunna Padula of Aurora, CO, Pamela Kelly and her husband George of Seekonk, Kimberly Perry of Taunton, and John Padula, III of Taunton; his grandchildren: Patrick Kelly, Alesha Kelly, Joshua Perry, Travis Perry, Lewis Perry, and Ty Padula; his great-grandson: Elijah Perry; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

In addition to his parents, John is predeceased by his brothers: Salvatore Padula, Michael Padula, Peter Padula, Joseph Padula, and Anthony Padula; and also his sisters: Mary Tedesco, Jean Pereire, Theresa L’Heureux, and Susan Rego.

John’s funeral with visitation will be held on Monday, July 24, 2023 at 9:30am from the Silva Funeral Home 80 Broadway (at saint Mary’s Square) Taunton, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am in Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish, Kilmer Ave., Taunton.

Interment with Military Honors will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Taunton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to Boy Scouts of America directly at  https://donations.scouting.org/#/national

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