Michael D. Padula

Michael D. Padula , age 42 , 1975-2017.Gone too soon, on July 21, at home with loving family. Michael navigated through life with great courage, determination, and humor. Both as a child and as an adult, Michael touched many people with his bright outlook, kindness, and giving spirit. In his short life, Michael enjoyed many things. To name a few, he acted in elementary school plays taking on challenging roles, enjoyed soccer for many years, played saxophone in concert and marching band, and spent a great amount of time on the ski slopes. Flying remote controlled airplanes was a hobby he enjoyed with one of his best friends, as well as golf camps. An annual football game occurred with a regular group of friends that they called their Turkey Bowl, always hopefully in the snow! And then there was all the fun he had with his brother and cousins. As an adult, one of his passions was to take his favorite car to the Watkins Glen Race Track, not to race others, but to improve his own times with race car driving schools. He planned carefully for those events and participated with great enthusiasm. Attending Formula One races was a past time he enjoyed with his family. Reading about world history throughout his adult life was fascinating to him. Trips to the Outer Banks, NC with a group of friends and family was one of his favorite vacations. He was the researcher and planner of the fun trips for his family and extended family. After high school graduation, Michael completed a Nuclear Engineering program in the Navy. As a result of his father's ( Michael A. Padula) tragic death, Michael was granted an honorable discharge from the Navy so he could return home to help his family. His degree in Communications from Cornell University led him to take positions in the Cornell Law School, ILR school, then the Cornell Theory Center for several years. He then set a new goal for his career. Michael, Holley, and Katherine began an adventure in Houston, TX where Michael found a position to make even further use of his skills. It was always very important to him to provide for his family in every way possible. Not even 2 years had passed in Houston when his brain cancer was diagnosed. Fighting this disease became a major focus, ?rst in TX, and then, after moving back to Ithaca, his care was transferred to Duke, NC. Michael is survived by his wife, Holley, and daughter, Katherine, his mother Sarah Padula(Mitchell Herzog), and his brother Jason Padula (Lauren Curtis) and their 2 sons, Holley's parents, Dick and Cathy Mooney , Holley's sister Michelle (Kevin Cowan) , as well as Michael's grandparents and an uncle on his father's side. Many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and friends will miss him greatly. He was predeceased by his mother's parents, Harold and Esther Mix. While we feel great sadness for what Michael had yet to offer and enjoy, and we will miss him beyond any measure, we are grateful for our memories of all he shared, lived, and laughed with us. Calling hours are Saturday July 29 from 11AM-1PM at Perkins Funeral Home, Dryden. Sharing memories, and celebrating Michael's life will be from 1PM-3PM the same day at a family home, 690 Ringwood Road, Ithaca. All are welcome. Dress is casual for both. In lieu of ?owers, please consider donating to "Greg's Mission", created by a GBM survivor. He spends his time helping people navigate through this disease. "Raising Money for Greg's Mission" is on Facebook. Or, checks can be mailed to Greg's Mission 148 Kemah Drive, Kyle, TX 78640 in memory of Michael.