Jack R. Padilla

Jack Richard Padilla, 15, of Greenwood Village, Colorado passed away on Thursday, February 14 at Swedish Hospital in Englewood, Colorado.

Jack was born on August 4, 2003 in Denver, Colorado. He was a ninth-grade student at Cherry Creek High School. Jack cherished the game of lacrosse and played as a goalie for over 10 years, even travelling as far as Canada to play his favorite sport. Jack's positive influence, unconditional support, spirit, and respect earned him the "Spirit of the Stick" award for those who epitomize the spirit of lacrosse.

Just as Jack made extraordinary saves in lacrosse to support his team, he saved many lives through organ donation. Jack's compassion, empathy, and altruism were evident everyday, from sharing his last two dollars to a child in need of shoes in Mexico to being the first to welcome a friend back to school. Jack will always be remembered for his ability to love and for his zest for life.

Jack is survived by his parents, Rick and Jeanine, and his beloved brother, John. He is also survived by his grandparents, Margaret V. Crissy, Michael J. Fitzgerald (Lana Portman Kelly), and a large, extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins and his loving dog, Izzy. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Thomas D. Crissy, Joseph Padilla and Mary Jane Fitzgerald.

The viewing will be held on Monday, February 18, 2019 at 9 AM until 10 AM; the Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 A.M. BOTH at the Church of the Risen Christ, 3060 South Monaco Pkwy., Denver, Colorado 80222.
Jack will be interred at a later date in a private ceremony.

The family's deepest thanks go to his extraordinary physicians and nursing staff at Swedish Hospital PSICU for their care of Jack and his family. The entire staff honored Jack's wishes to be an organ donor and supported him by attending a flag-raising ceremony and holding the first ever honor walk at the hospital.

Donations for the creation of a non-profit organization called #JACKSTRONG in support of teen suicide prevention and mental health awareness can be made to:

https://www.gofundme.com/jack-strongmental-healthteen-suicide-prevention

For more information go to storkfamilymortuary.com.