David Rolando Maldonado was born February 3rd, 1955 in Kingsville Texas. His family moved to Phoenix Arizona in the early 1960’s. He met the love of his life, Dee Dee, in 1971. After graduating from Carl Hayden High School in 1973 he joined the U.S. Navy. David traveled abroad, completed 2 tours, and retired from the U.S. Naval Reserves with 3 Honorable Discharges, earning many awards, metals and ribbons.
On June 11th, 1977, he married Dee Dee, his soulmate. David would always say that they dated for 2 years, 2 months and 2 days before marrying. They started their new life in California living the military life and had 2 children, David and Denise. In 1981 David, along with his family, settled in Phoenix Arizona.
As they remained together in life, holding hands all the way to the end, David was called home on January 8th, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Dee Maldonado, his son, David Maldonado, daughter, Denise Llamas, son in law, Joe Llamas, grandchildren, Riqui Carrasco, Raul Rubio, Eddie, Mikey and Christopher Llamas, great granddaughter, Ruby Rubio, 10 siblings, Marilyn Garcia, Debbie Bonilla, Frank Maldonado Jr, Anna McCord, Michael Maldonado, Sandra Armenta, Diane Garcia, Dina Wood, Ricky Vela Jr and Stephanie Maldonado.
David joins his beloved mother, Minerva Reyna, father, Frank Maldonado, mother-in-law, Gloria Ramirez, nephew, and nieces.
Family is what he lived for. Holidays, parties, and family gatherings, enjoying being the life of the party. He is also known for his salsa and changing everyone’s names. David loved spending time with his grandkids and always looked forward to watching them play football, basketball, and wrestling. He was always spoiling his granddaughter Ruby and would always watch Tom and Jerry with her. He liked to give Riqui a hard time when he would give Ruby whatever she wanted. David had many friends throughout the years and was always good at keeping in contact with everyone even in his final days.
David has lived a great life surrounded by many loved ones. He has fought the good fight; he has finished the race and has kept the faith until the end. Now there is in store for him the crown of righteousness. Farewell David, til we meet again, you will always remain in our hearts.
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