Luis G. Maldonado, 94, Enjoyed Dancing and Singing in Church Choir

Luis was born in Coamo, Puerto Rico on May 4, 1926 to Petronila Gonzalez and Pedro Maldonado. At the end of World War II, and once discharged from the Army, Luis married his childhood friend Maria Manuela Dueno. In 1949 Luis ventured to New York in search of a better life for himself and his family. He heard of work available at The National Tube Co., which eventually became US Steel in Lorain, and he relocated to Lorain. In 1950 Luis brought Manuela and their four children to live in Lorain. In the coming years they had three more children. After 36 years at the steel mill, he retired in 1986.

As a boy Luis loved playing baseball, a sport which he continued to play as a young man pitching in the City of Lorain’s hard ball leagues. In later years he enjoyed dancing as an Arthur Murray student, participating at charitable benefits. Luis was a founding member and devout servant of Sacred Heart Chapel in Lorain, where he loved singing in the choir, helped establish the Cursillo movement in Northeast Ohio, and volunteered for many Church projects and events. He was also well known by many in the community as a humble and generous person who was always willing to help someone in need.

Luis is survived by his daughters Carmen Ana Gonzalez of Lorain, Judith Maldonado (Leo Gonzalez) of Aibonito, Puerto Rico, Rosael Delic of Lorain and Milagros Brillon (Manuel) of Lorain; son Deacon Luis Maldonado (Maria) of Lorain; 23 grandchildren, 49 great grandchildren, 17 great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Luis and Manuela also lovingly cared for life-long neighbors, Mary Margaret Ochenas and John Ochenas (Linda) as their own children.

Luis was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years Maria Manuela; children, Esteban Maldonado and Maria Rosario Maldonado; grandchildren, Jessica Delic, Christopher Maldonado, Steven Pruchinsky, and Hector Gonzalez; as well as sons-in-law, Jose Gonzalez and John Delic. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brothers, Abraham, Francisco, and Ramon; and sisters Claudia and Ana.

His family will receive friends Monday, January 25 from 8:30 AM until 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Chapel 4301 Pearl Avenue, Lorain. Rev. Father William A Thaden, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain. Military Honors will be conducted by the AMVETS Post 32 of Elyria.

His family suggest that contributions in his memory be made to the Sacred Heart Chapel Memorial Fund, 3401 Pearl Avenue, Lorain, Ohio 44055 or Mercy New Life Hospice, 3500 Kolbe Road, Lorain, Ohio 44053.

Funeral arrangements are by Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain, (440) 277-8164. For expressions of sympathy and further information, please visit Reidyfuneral.com.