In Loving Memory of Joel G. Maldonado

With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Joel G. Maldonado, who peacefully departed this life on September 29, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 69.

Born on January 27, 1957, Joel lived a life defined by love, loyalty, hard work, and devotion to his family. To know him was to know a man who found happiness in life's simple moments. Whether he was standing over a barbecue grill, working in his yard, fixing something around the house, or sitting on the porch enjoying the outdoors, Joel was happiest at home, surrounded by the people he loved most.

He took great pride in keeping his yard looking beautiful and was never one to sit still for long. If something was broken, Joel would find a way to fix it. He had a strong work ethic, a generous heart, and a quiet strength that made others feel safe and cared for. He loved sports, enjoyed watching a good movie, and could always appreciate spending time with family and friends.

Above everything else, Joel was a family man. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and cherished great-grandfather. His family was the center of his world, and he worked tirelessly to provide for them, support them, and love them unconditionally. Whether through his actions, his guidance, or simply by being present, Joel showed his family every day how deeply he cared. The lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave so freely will remain in their hearts forever.

Joel leaves behind the love of his life, best friend, and wife of 51 years, Gloria R. Maldonado. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and unwavering commitment. He is also survived by his beloved daughters, Joy Garza (Bobby Garza), April Maldonado (Rosalinda Soto), and Lori Maldonado (Roger Salas), and his dear nephew, Gabriel Maldonado, who held a special place in Joel's heart and shared a precious bond that went beyond that of an uncle and nephew. Together, they will all forever treasure the love, guidance, strength, and memories he gave them.

He was a proud and loving grandfather to Andrew Munoz, Jr. (Kalista), Marissa Aranda (Mark), Sarina Garza, Madison Munoz, Marley Garza, Scarlett Salas, Ariel Salas, Adrian Salas, and Azariah Salas. His grandchildren brought so much happiness into his life. He loved watching them grow, the milestones, being such a constant presence in their life, joking laughing, being there for them. Having his family was all he needed. Each of them knew G-Pa / Gramps loved them and had so much love within him to give them. The memories they made with him will be carried with them for the rest of their lives.

He was also a loving great G-pa to Logan Joel Munoz, who brought him immense joy when coming into this world and gave him one more beautiful reason to smile.

Joel is also survived by his beloved siblings, Maria D. Mason and Filomeno G. Maldonado (Rosalinda T. Maldonado), with whom he shared a lifetime of family, memories, laughter, and love that could only come from growing up and walking through life together.

He also leaves behind many dearly loved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends. To Joel, family extended far beyond the walls of his own home. So many had the privilege of knowing him, spending time with him, laughing with him, sharing a meal or a story with him, or simply being welcomed into his life. He had a way of leaving an impression on people, and those who were fortunate enough to know him will remember his kindness, his generosity, his humor, and simply the good man that he was.

While our hearts ache with his absence, we find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on in the family he adored and the countless lives he touched. We also hold close the words of Psalm 23:

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me… and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Our faith gives us comfort in knowing that Dad is now at peace in the presence of the Lord, and that although we miss him more than words can say, this is not goodbye forever.

We will miss his laughter, his advice, his stories, the smell of barbecue on the grill, the sight of him working in his yard and just  the comfort of seeing him sitting and enjoying the day. We will miss the way he showed up for his family, the way he made us feel loved, and the way he turned ordinary moments into cherished memories.

A father's love is a gift that never fades. Though Joel is no longer by our side, his voice lives on in our memories, his lessons live on in our hearts, and his love lives on through the family he cherished so deeply. Every family gathering, every story he shared, and every moment spent together will carry a piece of him with us.

Joel was simply a beautiful soul and a truly good man. He left an impression on nearly everyone he met, and those who had the privilege of truly knowing him knew just how special he was. We hope that when his family and friends think of him, along with the tears will come smiles the funny stories, the ordinary days that now mean everything, and all the little things that made him …. Well, Him …. The one and only Soulmate, Daddy, Popz, Dad, G-Pa, Gramps, Brother, Uncle, Tio and good best friend, friend, compadre and Buddy.

We will carry him with us always, until the day we see him again.

Family and friends are warmly invited to gather with us in remembrance of Joel and to celebrate his beautiful life

Thursday, October 15, 2026

St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church.

1314 Fair Ave #2 | San Antonio | TX 78223

We will come together for the Rosary at 12:00 p.m.,

followed by the Funeral Mass at 12:30 p.m.

Forever loved, Forever missed, Forever in our hearts.

~We love you ~