It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Brother Tony Padilla, TCU’s former Assistant National Legislative Director.
Tony enjoyed a remarkable 43-year career in the rail industry, retiring in December 2009. His journey began in February 1967 as a General Clerk Freight and Passenger Agent with Southern Pacific Railroad. He continued his dedication to the industry as an Amtrak Passenger Agent in both San Antonio and Austin, Texas. He became a member of TCU in 1967 with Lodge 2503 and transferred to Lodge 2512 in 1995. Tony served as TCU Texas State Legislative Representative before coming to work full time for the TCU Grand Lodge and in 1991 he was named TCU Assistant National Legislative Director.
Brother Tony was a force for TCU on Capitol Hill. His relentless advocacy, passion, and ability to work with any-and-all elected officials made him one of the most successful labor lobbyists in DC.
“It was often said that Tony Padilla made TCU ‘punch above its weight’ in Washington,” said TCU National President Artie Maratea. “All of our members and retirees are better off – their retirement protected – because of the work Tony did. We lost a legend today.”
“Despite Tony retiring several years ago, across Washington DC people still to this day hear ‘TCU’ and think Tony Padilla,” said TCU National Legislative Director Dave Arouca. “Tony was a friend and a mentor to so many in DC, including me,” said Arouca.
Tony’s efforts included keeping Amtrak funded and solvent during turbulent political times, and he helped spearhead legislative efforts to push through Railroad Retirement reform legislation that gave railroaders their “60, 30” retirement. Tony’s willingness to mentor others across Capitol Hill and the labor movement left a sizeable legacy for those that came after. The entire labor movement will remember and honor Tony.
“When I first arrived on Capitol Hill over 20 years ago, I didn’t know anything about the rail industry,” said IAM National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon. “Tony Padilla, my brother, taught me everything I needed to know to be an effective lobbyist for the IAM and TCU.”