Obituary of John M. Padula

John Michael Padula, of State College, formerly of Stratford, Connecticut died Friday, May 13, 2016 at Juniper Village in State College. Born on September 1, 1921 in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, he was the son of late Louis Padula and Erminia (Cavallo) Padula. He was predeceased by one sister, Olga (Padula) Slocomb. On October 21, 1950, he married Rose E. St. George who predeceased him in 2007. He is survived by a daughter, Paula Bassett and husband, Harold 'Skip' Bassett and grandsons, William and Ryan Bassett, all of State College. He graduated in 1939 from Fitchburg High School, Fitchburg Massachusetts and the enlisted for four years in the U.S. Marines during World War II, spending part of the time in the South Pacific. After being discharged from the service in 1946, he enrolled in the College of Business Administration and Management at Boston University, graduating in June 1950. The next year, he married his dear wife, Rose and moved to Connecticut where he worked for Lindquist Hardware and Builders Supply Co. in Bridgeport, Ct for 31 years as Credit Manager. He was a member of the Administrative Management Society and Bridgeport Credit Bureau and a member of Our Lady of Victory Church, State College, Pa. He was an inspiration to all around him. He enjoyed gardening, travel, sports, poetry, ballroom dancing and especially painting in oil and watercolors. But above all, he loved sharing a home-cooked meal with family and friends. Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 6:00p.m. on Monday, May 16, 2016 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. Mass will be held at 10:30a.m. on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, with Rev. Mike Wolfe officiating. Burial will be in St. Bernard's Cemetery in Fitchburg, Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gabriel Project, Our Lady of Victory, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, Pa. 16801. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.