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Jerry Maldonado Obituary
MALDONADO
Beloved Husband, Father, and Papa
Jerry Maldonado, 60, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2008 in Reno, Nevada, surrounded by his family. Jerry was born on September 25, 1947 at St. Mary's Hospital in Reno, NV to Ramon and Priscilla Maldonado, the second of five children. A lifelong Sparks resident, he graduated from Sparks High School in 1965 where he lettered in baseball and basketball and met his soul mate, Leslie. He attended the University of Nevada where he played baseball and basketball and was a member in the ROTC program. He graduated in 1969 with a BS in Education and as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army.
Jerry is a retired Army officer with 14 years of service with a rank of Major. His illustrious military career includes Special Forces, 82nd Airborne, Ranger, Jungle Expert, Delta Force, and the proud honor of being awarded the Bronze Star for valor during the Viet Nam War. He was proud to serve for his country and valued the friendships he formed during this time. After retirement, Jerry returned to the University of Nevada to earn his Masters in Special Education and became a special education teacher for the Washoe County School District for the last 19 years where he taught students with chronic and terminal illnesses who weren't able to attend school. Jerry's hobbies included spending time with his grandsons and his loyal dogs, listening to music, little known facts, astronomy, and taking care of his family. He had a passion for life, sweets, and laughter.
He is survived by his wife, Leslie, of 38 years; daughter Shawna (Evan); son EJ (Fran); brothers Ray, Alan, Jon (Nancy); aunt Elma Chavez; grandchildren Jade, Aiden “Pin“, Parker “Bean“; many nieces and nephews. His parents, Ramon and Priscilla, grandparents, Fred and Rose Olguin, uncle Dan Olguin, aunt Ruth Olguin, uncle George Chavez, brother George and sister-in-law Terri, all preceded him in death.
A viewing will be held at Walton's Funeral Home on Sullivan Lane from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2008. Services will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the ASPCA in Jerry's name are being requested.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Maldonado
31 Entries
Andrea Perry
March 31, 2008
Dear Leslie & family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Jerry. He was such a kind and gentle man. I always enjoyed watching Jerry & Beau Pacheco play baseball at Sparks High School. And, I was always happy that E.J. and my son Rob Walcher became friends at Reed High School. My heart goes out to all of you! Andrea (Andy) Walcher Perry
Rob Walcher
March 28, 2008
Dear E.J., Shawna, & Leslie, I am so sorry to hear about Jerry. For so many years I was a big part of your household and Jerry always made meel feel so welcome. I will never forget those great memories. He was a very special man, husband, & father. We are all so blessed to know him.
Beau Pacheco
March 27, 2008
Dear Leslie and Family
May I belatedly add my condolences to you for the loss of Jerry. Having attended high school with Jerry, and having been on the same baseball and football teams, we were all privileged to witness firsthand what a gentle warrior he was in those days. And although I lost contact with him after high school, it’s no surprise to see that he became a distinguished and fierce officer in the Army, and then a caring and compassionate mentor to homebound children. How like him. How like his family.
My dad and I delivered milk to the Maldonado house, and my dad was great friends with Jerry's Mom, who was one of those grand matriarchs of the big family. Whenever someone talks of big and close families, and big gatherings and great food, I always think of the Maldonados. Every time we won a baseball game, Mrs. Maldonado would make for us tamales with an egg on top. Jeez, I loved that stuff. It was easy to see how Jerry was a product of that household, he was always so alive and full of humor. Speaking as a member of the class of ’65, I think in many ways, he was the best of us.
May God bless you, Leslie, and comfort you.
Beau Allen Pacheco
Wendi Haynes
March 19, 2008
Leslie, Shawna & EJ -
This is really hard to grasp and I'm truly sorry to hear about Jerry. You guys were always family to me and Jerry's loss has been hard to take. I have many great memories of Jerry and it is sad to see him go so soon. I know he is in a great place. I pray peace for each of you and again I'm sorry for your loss. Love, Wendi
Donna & Steve Vaughn
March 19, 2008
Dear Leslie,
Donna and I are so sorry for your loss. We were baby sitters for Jerry and Jerry used to baby set our kids.Jerry was a good friend to our whole family, we will all miss him.
Our hearts go out to you.
Ken and Diana McNeal
March 17, 2008
Our Dearest Leslie and Family,
We can not truly find the words to express our sincere condolences, or imagine the loss you are feeling for your beloved Jerry. Ken and I are so happy that we were able to spend some quality family time with Jerry and the rest of the family this past year. Leslie our hearts go out to you my dear friend and we will be there to help you along during this difficult time. He will truly be missed and remembered by so many.
Sparks High School Faculty and Staff
March 17, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to your family from the faculty and staff at Sparks High School. Jerry was a valued member of our staff and he will be sincerely missed. A donation in Jerry's name has been made to the Student Scholarship fund and he will be remembered in the Class of 2008 Commencement Program. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jeremy Clark
March 16, 2008
Maldonado Family,
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Jerry was my homeschool teacher in 1994 while I was undergoing surgeries at the Shriners Hospital in at that time San Francisco. I remember talking to him many times after my sophmore year. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Patti McClelland
March 15, 2008
My husband, Gene, went to school at SHS and UNR, then followed Jerry to Ft. Benning; I teach at SHS where Jerry made quite a difference with many of our homebound students. He was a caring man, a committed teacher, and a good friend to all he met. He will be sorely missed by students, teachers and friends. He had an easy way about him that drew people to him.
We pray that God's strength and comfort will envelope you during this difficult time.
Gene and Patti McClelland
Greg DuRette
March 15, 2008
To all: I did'nt Know jerry,but as a veteran, myself, would like to offer my condolences, and greatly respect the man for his military accomplishments. Am headed back to reno, where I lived for 2 yrs, and saw this and had to respond. God speed......
Al Bonnenfant
March 15, 2008
Maldonado Family,
So sorry for your loss. While I did not know Jerry very well, I played baseball with a number of the "clan" and knew George and Terri well. As a long time Sparks resident, my heart goes out to all.
Al Bonnenfant
SHS Class of '75
John & Barbara & Renee Gonzales
March 15, 2008
We are deeply saddned by Jerry's passing. Jerry was one of Sparks' best. His friendship and support for all the years has been an inspiration to us. He will be sorely missed. We offer our prayers for the Maldonado family. May God be there to guide & strenghen you during this time of sorrow.
Cindy (Geach) Jones
March 15, 2008
Dear Leslie,
How sad to read of Jerry’s passing. This brings to mind several classmates of Jerry's & the Sparks High School class of 1965 who are now gone from this life.
Having grown up with a baseball loving brother, Joey Geach, I remember those great summer nights at the ball field. I watched the Maldonado boys as they grew from little guys to accomplished young men on the playing fields and basketball courts, through Dilworth Junior High and Sparks High School. My memories continue on as we were together during “catechism classes” at Immaculate Conception Church with Sister Vincent canvassing the neighborhoods bringing in the reluctant. Priscilla was always there in the background for her boys and the rest of the community. Her wonderful laugh and ready smile is still in fondly recalled. No wonder Jerry had such an open easy way. He learned kindness and a strong work ethic from his parents.
Be assured of my prayers for you and your family, especially on Tuesday. May the angels usher him into paradise and may you and your family find great comfort knowing this isn’t the end.
With great affection,
Class of 1966,
Dan Archuleta
March 15, 2008
It is said that "still waters run deep". Such was the case with our cousin Jerry. Our hearts are down with the loss of yet, another family warrior but our spirits are forever with the family.
Dan Archuleta /family.
Sparks
Sharon (Baer) Vasquez
March 14, 2008
Leslie and Family,
Another classmate of Jerry's, I want to extend my condolences to you and your family. Jerry's ruddy faced and crooked smile will always be in my memory, as will the memory of the time he took me to the 9th grade dance at Dilworth, where I broke out with measles (he never asked me to another dance), but always remained a friend, and with the other classmates of '65, family. We were all sad to hear of your loss and our loss of a lifelong friend.
Ann Weaver
March 14, 2008
To the Maldonado family:
I worked with Jerry in the Home/Hospital Program with the Washoe County School District. It was a pleasure to have known and worked with him. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ann Weaver Lee
March 14, 2008
To the Maldonado family:
I worked with Jerry in the Home/Hospital Program with the Washoe County School District. It was a pleasure to have known and worked with him. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
sarah hansen
March 14, 2008
im soo sorry for your loss he was a great teacher and friend he will never be forgotten hes in good hands now. student sarah hansen
michael and monie pearson
March 14, 2008
Leslie and family
we are so sorry for your great loss
jerry was a wonderful person, had it not been for jerry my daughter would not have graduated high school. i know that Sarah will miss him very much he was a wonderful friend to her
Deb Taberna
March 14, 2008
Although I didn't know Jerry very well, we met when we shared a student at Reed High School. His caring and compassion were an inspiration to us all. He will be missed by many and remembered fondly. Deb Taberna
Andrew MacKay
March 14, 2008
Leslie and Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences, Jerry was a good man. We are sorry for your loss. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask.
Andy & Jenny MacKay
Sally and Dale Pappas
March 14, 2008
Dear Les and family.....we are sending you love and prayers.....much love.....
Sally and Dale Pappas
March 14, 2008
Dear Les...We are sending you love and prayers ....much love...
Karyn Magin
March 14, 2008
Dear Leslie and Family -- I am so sorry for your loss. I went to high school with Jerry, graduating in 1965. His mother, Priscilla, sang at my wedding in 1965. He was a great athlete and wonderful person, but until I read the notice in the paper, I had no idea what a distinguished life he led. I'm sure you are all proud of him beyond words and his passing will leave a void in all of your lives. Even though I had not seen Jerry for many years, because of the bond that the class of 1965 has, I feel as if I have lost a family member, too. My heart goes out to you at this time of great loss.
Karyn (Mather) Magin
Diane Smith
March 14, 2008
Leslie and Family,
Please accept my condolences for your loss.
Blessings, Diane Smith
Carol and Jimmy Bender
March 14, 2008
I wore a beautiful hand-made lavendar dress as a bridesmaid in a princess style wedding of a dear friend and her prince. I can't believe it was 38 years ago and it has come to "till death do us part." As a teenager I thought the Maldonados and their five strapping, bright, athletic boys were a great family. It is very sad that Ramon, Priscilla, George and now, Jerry have all passed on far to early. Our sincere sympathies go to Leslie, Shawna, EJ and the rest of the family. We are so sorry that we will not be able to attend the services of our long time friend. Jerry will be missed but not forgotten.
Candy Von Ruden
March 14, 2008
To Jerry's Family~~ I am so very sorry for your loss. Jerry was truly an exceptional spirit to all the special children he helped. I believe we were all blessed from having known him. He will shine brightest among all the stars in God's Heaven. He will be sorely missed. Peace to you all. His friend, Candy
Kent Boam
March 14, 2008
Leslie and Family: I am so sorry for your loss. I would have graduated with Jerry in 1965 but left Sparks in the summer of 1964 as my family mved with the SP to Tucson. I played basketball and baseball with Jerry at Sparks, Dillworth and summer ball. We spent many nights at Stempeck's Half Way club eating pizza. I also played bal with and against Ray and George. I am so sorry for your loss. I will be attending the Sparks High re-union in June. I will always remember Jerry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kent W.and Terri Boam
Don and Charlene Boam,
Michael Healy
March 14, 2008
Leslie and family....I am so sorry....I have known Jerry since High School and enjoyed umpiring with him over the years....If there is anything I can do please let me know...Mike
Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results
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