Lawrence “Mickey” Padora, the Italian Baker of Tamaqua, entered into eternal rest on February 4, 2020 at the age of 93.
He was the husband of the late Carolyn (Butler) Padora.
Born in Coaldale, Mickey was a son of the late Pasqual and Anna (Palumbo) Padora.
He was a proud first generation American born to Italian immigrant parents who came through Ellis Island.
Mickey lived all his life in Tamaqua.
He worked at the bakery from the age of 13 and learned to bake from Mitty Zaraca. Eventually, in the 1950’s, Mickey purchased the bakery from the Dallas Family and baked bread until he was 85 years old.
He met his wife, Carolyn, in 1964 at the Five Points Diner in Tamaqua. The two of them worked together at the bakery and Padora’s Six Pack House.
Mickey loved to talk to all of his customers and argue politics.
He donated a lot of bread to local fundraisers throughout the years. His bread also traveled to many states, even as far as Hawaii, and also went to Italy.
He was also interviewed by many different news organizations at the bakery.
Mickey lived a happy life and met many interesting people along the way. He always looked forward and said it never paid to dwell in the past.
So, with that, he is off to his next great adventure, probably arguing with St. Peter at the Pearly Gates.
Mickey is survived by children, Carol, wife of Timothy Berger of Tamaqua, Larry Padora and his companion Kira Adams of New Ringgold, Donna Drey of Virginia, Anna, wife of Gary Morgan of Pottsville, and Roseann Pecha; grandchildren, Amber Berger Murphy, Aaron Berger, Cheyenne, Trinity, and Navaya Padora, Brad Krepps, Nicole Roadcap, Eric Morgan, Richard Padora, John and Olivia Padora, and Vicky McKelive; 12 great grandchildren; sister, Theresa Faleshock; and several nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by sons, Michael and John Padora; grandsons, Michael Padora and Jeffery Peca; brother, Danny Padora, sisters, Mary Padora and Jeanette Bonner; brother-in-law, Andrew Faleshock; nieces, Brenda Bonner and Andra Hill; and great nephew, Joseph Boyer.
Services will be held at 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at the Zizlemann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua. Call 6-8:45 PM on Saturday at the funeral home.
Memorials in Mickey’s name may be made to the Hillside SPCA, 51 SPCA Road, Pottsville, PA 17901 or make donations to Toys for Tots. Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
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