Union Mourns Collecting Agent Emiliano Padilla, 67

Brother Emiliano Padilla, who had 20 years of service as a Collecting Agent, has died from the coronavirus. His passing is especially painful because he exemplified the spirit of selfless commitment to others. In January of 2018, he was one of four union members who went to help in the disaster relief effort in Puerto Rico after the devastation of Hurricane Maria. This was Local 100’s second mission to the island.

USMC Veteran and Ceremonial Unit instructor Jose Domenech, who was also on that mission, said that Brother Padilla was “amazing person, very humble, with a big heart. He was a key operator when it came to driving in Puerto Rico. He knew ways to get around the island that no one else knew. He was also a translator, helping out with the doctors when they had to interview patients. He gave his all when it came down to being a union man and a human being.” 

Administrative Vice President Nelson Rivera, who coordinated the relief mission with the New York St ate Nurses Association, praised Padilla as a man who was willing to step up when the need was greatest.

IB ImagePhoto: Brother Padilla (at left, wearing union shirt and sunglasses) on the ground in Puerto Rico in 2018.