Demetrio Cipriano Padilla, Jr., lovingly known as “DJ,” entered this world on November 28, 2018, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and graced those around him with seven radiant years of joy, laughter, and love before passing away on June 3, 2026, in Aurora, Colorado. DJ’s journey was far too brief, yet it overflowed with warmth, spirit, tenacity, and a heart that lit up every space he entered.

In the final chapter of his young life, DJ faced a rare and sudden illness with incredible bravery and determination over a difficult ten-month battle. His courage during endless medications, treatments, and procedures inspired everyone close to him. Even in his hardest days, he was surrounded by an overwhelmingly loving family whose support never wavered—his final moments a testament to the profound impact he had on all who were lucky enough to know him.

From the very start, DJ was a bright light. With a smile as big as his imagination and a laugh so contagious it would ripple through the hearts of those near him, he made an impression wherever he went. Gifted with an outgoing and generous soul, DJ had a knack for befriending people of every age and background—whether at airports, on basketball courts, or in the classroom. One encounter remains etched in memory: at only three years old, while traveling to Disneyland, DJ struck up a heartfelt conversation with an elderly lady traveling alone; their warm exchange, ending in a hug, spoke volumes about DJ’s natural kindness and ease.

His parents, Breanna Aguilar and Demetrio Padilla, Sr., cherished every moment with their son—his devotion to them was boundless, their pride palpable in all of his accomplishments. He was the center of gravity for not just his immediate family, but for his dear grandparents, Annemarie Hill, Jason Pincheira, Gilbert Padilla, Sr., Sandra Roybal, Jesus Aguilar, and Yvonne Aguilar, his aunts ElizabethAnne Archuleta and Melissa Padilla, and his uncles Anthony Romero, Gilbert Padilla, Jr., and Julian Padilla. DJ was also held close in heart by many cousins, teachers, coaches, and friends. He is now reunited with his grandfather Jason Hill, who surely beams with pride from beyond.

From an early age, it was clear DJ was extraordinary. He attended EJ Martinez Elementary, where his intellect and creativity glowed. Since kindergarten, he was entrusted to the gifted program, standing out not just for his intelligence—being ranked seventh out of about four hundred children tested—but also for how he used his gifts. His teachers recognized his kindness and helpfulness, honoring him with the coveted “Gentleman’s Award.” DJ’s reading skills soared, motivated by his passion for video games and the challenge of keeping up with the storylines: determined to play games requiring reading, he learned quickly and was reading independently well before finishing kindergarten.

DJ’s world was vibrant. He adored collecting Pokémon cards and considered his collection a badge of pride. He immersed himself in imaginative play, pretending to be an internet influencer, making videos, and bringing laughter to all. He filled his days with art, singing, dancing, and the joys of play—whether it was Minecraft, building towers with Legos, board games, fishing, hunting, camping, or shooting hoops on the basketball court. When DJ finally made not one but four baskets on a regulation hoop, he was ecstatic, his confidence bolstered as he made twenty more the very next day, ready for the next season on his beloved Lobos Kids at Play team. He loved the feeling of finding his family in the stands, gifting them his signature smile and thumbs-up—a memory that now lingers, bittersweet, in the hearts of those who watched him.

No one could forget DJ’s playful mischief—his love for fart jokes that left everyone giggling, his sense of fun that made adults feel like kids again. And woe to anyone who dared to joke about his hair! He adored his springy curls, always keeping them neat and stylish. His generous spirit was boundless; if he could help someone, he’d do so without hesitation, gladly sharing whatever he had to ensure happiness for others. He truly lived and loved with his whole heart.

Proud of his achievements both big and small, DJ celebrated the little victories: finishing an entire Red Baron pizza by himself, mastering new games, or completing a work of art. But perhaps what shone brightest was his relentless joy in being alive, his unwavering kindness, and the love he gave so freely to family, friends, teammates—and sometimes to perfect strangers who needed nothing more than a little boy’s smile and a kind word.

For all who wish to honor DJ’s remarkable life, remembrances will be held to celebrate the beautiful years he gave so generously to all. Every person whose life he touched, every family member and friend who felt his love, will carry his memory forward in laughter, kindness, and the brightness of a smile that will never fade from their hearts.

Services

Family and friends are invited to celebrate DJ’s beautiful life and honor the joy, kindness, and love he shared with so many.

Rosary & Mass: Friday, July 17, 2026 

St. Anne’s Parish: 511 Alicia St. Santa Fe, NM 87505

Rosary: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Mass: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Reception for family and close friends will follow the Mass. Please contact a member of the family for additional reception details.

Though our hearts ache in his absence, we invite all whose lives were touched by DJ to join us as we celebrate his remarkable life, share cherished memories, and honor the enduring light he leaves behind.

Special Thanks

Our family would like to extend our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to those whose extraordinary kindness, compassion, and unwavering support carried us through the most difficult time of our lives.

To Joshua Sandoval, our pilot, thank you for your incredible selflessness. You made yourself completely available to our family, coordinated every detail, mapped out the journey, and helped us navigate the difficult process of bringing DJ home. Your generosity and dedication will never be forgotten.

To Chaplain Jose L. Villegas Sr., thank you for your steadfast spiritual guidance, your comforting presence, and for being a beacon of hope during our darkest moments. Your assistance in connecting us with the people we needed and helping prepare for DJ’s homecoming brought us immeasurable comfort.

To the Santa Fe Police Department, thank you for the dignity and honor you showed by providing an escort for DJ’s final journey home. Your act of service meant more to our family than words can express.

To Nicole McKnight and the compassionate staff at Rivera Family Funerals & Cremations, thank you for going far beyond your professional responsibilities. Your patience, kindness, and genuine care helped guide us through an unimaginable loss with grace and compassion. You worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail was handled with dignity, allowing this heartbreaking journey to be as smooth and comforting as possible during a time when our family needed it most.

To each of you, thank you for standing beside us, for honoring DJ with such love and respect, and for reminding us that even in the deepest sorrow, compassion can shine brightly. Your kindness has left a lasting imprint on our hearts, and we will forever be grateful.