Jose Lelio Maldonado

Jose Lelio Maldonado, Beloved husband of Eloisa Maldonado, was called home to our Lord peacefully on January 26, 2025. Jose (Joel) was born in August, 1929 to the late Manuel Paz and Juanita Maldonado with ten brothers and sisters whom he loved very much. He attended Sacred Heart School. He had a corner on 8th and Central selling newspapers. He worked at Payless Drugs Store and graduated from Albuquerque High School. He discerned a year for the seminary. He then served in the Korean War and was stationed in Germany. He joined the Albuquerque Fire Department where he helped start the Training Division and the Rescue Department. He loved being a Firefighter and his Fire Fighter Brothers. He retired as an Assistant District Chief. He was active in his Parish at Our Lady of Guadalupe and served as a Cursillo President, and lector. He also was a lector at his home parish, St Joseph on the Rio Grande. He was a Knight of Columbus, with the Brother Mathais Barrett Council. He volunteered with the VITA yearly Tax preparation for seniors within the community. He loved fishing with his family and playing baseball with his retired friends. He loved his family very much. He is survived by his loving wife, Eloisa (would have been married 67 years this April), Joseph and Family, Theresa and Family, Antoinette Renee and Family, preceded in death by Frances, survived by her Family, preceded in death by Andrew, survived by his Family, survived by his loving Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren; his brother, Manuel (Beatrice); sisters, Dolores (Robert), Viola (Henry). Jose was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Pedro and Louie; sisters, Annie, Mary Alice, Sally, Lupe, Nina. Honorary Pallbearers, Joseph (JoJo), Christopher, Joseph Harris, Ralph III, and Stefan. Special “Thank You” to Enhabit Home Health, Antoinette Renee, Vina, Nova Home Health Care, Elvia Sandoval, the Hospice Del La Luz Nurses, and Volunteers who visited. We are very Thankful for the Albuquerque Fire Department and the Fire Fighters at Station #17, and the Alarm Room staff for all of your caring assistance, and for Little Nurse Sophia. Services will be held at St. Joseph on the Rio Grande on 2/14/2025. Rosary will be at 8:30 am. Mass at 9:00 am.