Rayne community mourns loss of former NBA player Gerald Paddio

Q: What caused the death of Gerald Paddio?

Gerald Paddio died in a single-car crash.

Q: How did the Rayne community honor Gerald Paddio?

The Rayne community gathered for services to say their final goodbyes and remember his contributions both on and off the basketball court.

Q: Who was Gerald Paddio and what was he known for?

Gerald Paddio was a former NBA player from Rayne, Louisiana, known for his kindness and generosity.

Rayne community mourns loss of former NBA player Gerald Paddio

RAYNE, La. (KLFY) — Family, friends and community members gathered in Rayne to say their final goodbyes to former NBA player and Rayne native Gerald Paddio.

Paddio died last week in a single-car crash. During services, loved ones remembered not only his basketball career but the impact he had on the people around him.

His sister, Valene Kolapo, said Paddio was known for his kindness and generosity.

“He literally is the person that would give you the shirt off his back, just the sweetest, kindest guy,” Kolapo said.

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For many in Rayne, Paddio was more than a professional athlete. Family members say he was known for the way he connected with others and the positive energy he brought to those around him.

“Gerald was a very kind, loving person, very, very generous, very just friendly and outgoing,” Kolapo said. “He never met a stranger. He loved his family, he loved community. He was just a ray of sunshine.”

Paddio’s basketball career took him from Acadiana to the NBA and eventually around the world playing international basketball. But his sister said he always stayed connected to his hometown.

“I hope people remember that he loved where he came from and he never forgot where he came from,” Kolapo said. “Even though he spent many years away from Rayne traveling and playing NBA and international basketball, he decided to come home to retire. This is where his heart was.”

Family members say while Paddio achieved success on the court, the stories shared by teammates and friends in recent days highlight the kind of person he was away from the game.

“The camaraderie, the love for one another…his teammates shared so many stories with us about just how much of a great person he was outside of the game,” Kolapo said. “Just a kind spirit, gentle spirit.”

Paddio’s family says the loss has been difficult, but they are grateful for the support they have received from the Rayne community as they continue honoring his life and legacy.