He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was born in Agualeguas, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, March 23, 1933.
Emilio was a man of faith who also helped to literally build this city. He worked for more than 30 years as a Laborer and helped hew this city from stones, brick and other materials. He was a craftsman and his work can be seen all over town; Driscoll Children’s Hospital, Sunrise Mall Food Court, the King Gymnasium, Del Mar West Campus and Whataburger Field are some prominent landmarks that he helped elevate with his attention to detail and love for his work. Anyone can sling a trowel or hammer a chisel but for Emilio these are tasks that required skill and corazon! Emilio was hard-working like many laborers but his drive and passion helped elevate his work; he was an artist who has left his mark on this city.
However his greatest achievements were focused not on landmarks or monuments no his work was laid bare in his dedication to his family and faith. He was an active member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish where you could find him every Sunday at the 8 a.m. Mass where he served as an usher. Always there to guide people to their seats or offer a friendly smile and warm handshake. He was also an active member of the parish Men’s Club and provided acts of charity and service to the parish and community.
Whether by profession or in faith Emilio was constantly building on a foundation. Even after 30 years as a laborer Emilio continued to work with his hands. You could find him tinkering on Do It Yourself (DIY) projects all over the home or using his strong hands to pull weeds or dig up soil in his garden. His hands and heart were always working and you could see his playfulness creep into the crinkles around his eyes when he teased you or made you think.
His greatest work and joy was undoubtedly his family. He was married to his lovely wife, Delfina Maldando for 43 years; they were married on Christmas Eve, 1962 and she preceded him in death. Together they had four children who will miss and cherish their departed parents. Their surviving children, Nelda (John) Allen, Emilio Jr. (Alison) Maldonado, Joe (Letty) Maldonado and Carlos (Bonnie) Maldonado; 12 grandchildren Heather, Evander, Guy, Tiffani, Kristal, Kimberly, Kristopher, Emelissa, Emily, Juan Carlos, Emily Kim and Thomas. And four surviving great grandchildren Kobe, Bella, Nathaniel, Maze and one on the way (Emilianna). Emilio has five brothers and seven sisters Anita Uribe (David), Ambrocio (Dora) Maldonado, Juan Maldonado, Vidal Maldonado, Josefa Maldonado Gonzalez (Manual), Yolanda Casso (Trino). Baldemar “Wally” (Odelia)) Maldonado, Carmela Maldonado Garza (Miguel), Catalina Maldonado, Adolfo Maldonado, Alva Maldonado (Ruben) Angel Chavez ( Gerald). Along with numerous nieces & nephews.
