Harry Richard Padula

It is with great sadness that the family of Harry R. Padula announces his passing on December 5, 2025, at age 86. 

Harry is survived and missed by his loving wife Grace of 13 years; his children, Deborah (Edward) Maass and Christina (Frank) DeVito; his step-children Alexis and Fuchsia Norwich; and son-in-law Jeffery Price. His memory lives on in his grandchildren: James Bonadio (Quyen Nguyen), Christopher Maass (Katriina), Jonathan Maass (Ashley), Michael Price, and step-granddaughter Lilias White. Harry is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren.  

Harry was predeceased by his beloved wife Andre of 24 years, his longtime partner Stephanie Arenella of 20 years; his daughter Cherie; his sisters Ina and Dolores; and his brother Michael. 

Born in Philadelphia, PA as the youngest of four children, Harry was the son of Michael V. Padula and Ina M. Patterson. As a young child the family relocated to Hollywood, FL, where he spent his formative years. He later made his home in Fort Lauderdale, and eventually settled in Palm Beach County. 

For 50 years, Harry defined his career as a highly respected general contractor in South Florida. He treated his work not just as a profession, but as his life’s passion. Harry, along with his wife Andre, founded and built Padula Construction Co., Inc., which grew into a respected and trusted name in South Florida's building community.  later alongside his partner, Walter Wadsworth, he founded Padula & Wadsworth Construction, Inc., a firm known for shaping the community through civic buildings, such as schools, libraries, and fire stations, across Broward and Palm Beach counties. His impact even earned a newspaper nickname as “King of Parks”, for his construction of many public parks in the area. 

Though known for his tough exterior, those who worked closely with Harry saw the quiet gentleness he reserved for animals.  He adored his dogs throughout his life.  Breaking with his "all business" work ethic at the office, Harry would welcome Jesse and Billie every morning into his office to start his day by giving them their morning treats that he kept stashed in his desk drawer.  Harry often welcomed and cared for dogs and cats in the office, a tradition that continues to this day. 

A man of faith, Harry and his wife Andre along with dear friends Dottie and Herb Strelitz under the guidance of Father David Russell, were essential in forming St. Maurice Catholic Church in Fort Lauderdale.  

Outside of work, Harry fostered a lifelong passion for car racing, drawing happiness from the speed and thrill of the sport. He raced as a ranking amateur driver for a decade. His beloved dog Lola is named after the Lola cars he once drove, a reminder of his racing days. In his later years Harry found joy in traveling with his wife Grace, whether sailing on cruises or exploring Europe together. A highlight of his travels was visiting his ancestral hometown of Padula, Italy, a trip that brought him deep pride and connection to his roots.

Harry’s unwavering work ethic, integrity, and commitment to his values continue to inspire all who knew him, setting a standard we strive to uphold. Harry was a man who loved deeply, protected fiercely, and showed his affection through loyalty, generosity, and acts of quiet kindness.

May he rest in eternal peace.

A visitation will be held from 4-7 PM on Wednesday, December 10 at Glick Family Funeral Home in Boca Raton where a Funeral Service will begin at 6:00 PM.

The family requests expressions of sympathy be made to the National Kidney Foundation.  http://kidney.org

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