Sam Maldonado

Sammy (Sam) Maldonado made his last sarcastic comment on July 2, 2020 at the age of 73. He was born on August 22, 1946 weighing a staggering 13 lbs in the town of Pearsall, TX. He was the first-born child of Samuel and Emma Maldonado. Sam was the oldest of seven children and he spent the majority of his childhood being mischievous and doted on by his grandmother Manuela in Cotulla, TX. Sam moved to San Antonio, TX with his family when he was still in elementary school and eventually graduated from Burbank High School in 1964.

Sam joined the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. Upon his return to San Antonio, TX he became an architectural draftsman. After completing his architectural apprenticeship, he took the Texas Architectural Exam and became a licensed architect. Sam was an architect, Vice President of Latin American Development for La Quinta Inns, and was a Project Manager for Urban Concrete.

During his youth Sammy enjoyed building intricate tree houses, working on cars, reading books, being out in nature, and was a charro in the Asociacion de Charros San Antonio. As an adult he continued working on cars and began restoring classic mustangs. He relished riding his Harley Davidson, hunting, fishing, camping, archery, home improvements, photography, cooking, barbecuing, reading, joking, and learning about a variety of topics.

Sam was bilingual and known for his wit, intellect, and joke telling in both English and Spanish. He had beautiful striking amber colored eyes and a devilish smirk. His work ethic was admirable and he was a wealth of knowledge and wisdom on a myriad of subjects and thoroughly enjoyed Mexican and Texas History. Sam was also known for his wee little temper. Although his temper was legendary, it was a just temper. He was very honest and forthcoming and was never shy to express his point of view.

Most of all Sammy was known as a family man. He loved his family dearly and placed them above all else. He was an incredible father of three and has three grandchildren, the newest of which he loved to spoil immensely. Sammy is survived by his wife Susan and daughter Sophia. Two children by his first wife Imelda; son Samuel and his wife Jamie; daughter Sidra (Schimelpfening) and her husband Tom; grandchildren Seamus, Ryann, and Houston Schimelpfening.

Sammy is also survived by his six sisters and brothers; sister Sandra and late husband Jeffrey Ross; sister Syria and late husband Joe Martinez; sister Samia and husband Dr. Carl Jordan; brother David and wife Deborah Maldonado; brother Ricky Maldonado; sister Sonia Troilo; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Sammy also leaves behind a crotchety little miniature pinscher dog named Sticks. Sam and Sticks shared similar personalities and they had a very special bond. Sam and Sticks loved each other wholeheartedly.

One-time Sam was asked by one of his children why people and animals had to die. He said, "If people and animals didn't die, we'd be up to our necks in dinosaur crap."

Spoken like a true poet.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020

2:00 P.M.

PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

For those who would like to view the memorial service online, please see below: