J. BERNARD MALDONADO

J. Bernard Maldonado passed away peacefully on September 3, 2017 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 96. He was born August 14, 1921 in Walsenburg, Colorado, to Sinforosa (Pacheco) Maldonado and Amarante Maldonado. He was born 8th out of 12 siblings. He grew up on the family farm working alongside his many brothers, sisters and cousins. Bernard has had many wonderful memories and stories of life on the farm in Colorado. In 1942 he joined and proudly served in the United States Navy, serving during WWII Pearl Harbor. In September of 1945 he went home to visit and happened to have met his future wife Virginia. He promised once he returned from war, he would marry her. On December 26, 1945 Bernard kept that promise to Virginia and married the love of his life after only 3 months. They remained married 64 years until her death in 2010. Bernard was a hardworking man. He was humble, loving and a good friend and neighbor to all he met. He was a beloved Husband, Father, Grandpa (Pops), Great Grandpa, and Great- Great Grandpa to over 30 Grandchildren. He loved his family endlessly and was always happy to see them, share a story with them or provide wise words of wisdom. He is preceded in death by his wife Virginia Maldonado, sons: Michael and Joseph Maldonado and his daughter: Patricia Valenzuela. Left to cherish his memories are his daughters: Catherine Guzman (Alfred), Sandra Barrera (Ricardo) and Lisa Sanchez (Carlos). A Funeral Mass for Bernard will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1954 N. 24th St., Phoenix, at 10:30A.M. on Saturday, September 16th 2017. Reception in the parish hall to follow. He will be missed greatly! We thank God for the gift of our Father and the many years we had to share with him. We have many great memories to last a life time. Rest in peace Daddy, we love you mucho, mucho!