Librado Maldonando

Librado Maldonado left this life on New Year's Day,2018. He was surrounded by the family he loved. Librado was born on the Maldonado Ranch in the Gila Valley to Cosme Pena Maldonado and Monica Polanco Maldonado, both of whom had a long history in the Rio Grande Valley and the Gila Valley. He had five siblings that preceded him in death, Francis Garcia, Jean Portillo, Lucy Robertson, Manuela Soto and Leo Maldonado. He is survived by one sister, Tillie Lorenzo.
He married Bonnie Buckley in 1966. They have one daughter, Bridget Maldonado Silva, three
grandchildren, Joseph, Sophia and Lauren. His step-son, Floyd Marriage of White Signal and his
wife, Betty, and granddaughter, Ramona Redwine. He was preceded in death by his step-son Dennis Marriage. He is survived by Dennis' son Shayne Marriage, his wife Shauna and their son Bobby Lovorn. He graduated from Western High School in Silver City, and attended Western New Mexico University, Arizona State University, and Colorado State University. He earned three college degrees including a Master's in Molecular Biology. As a man of many interests he chose to serve his country in the U.S. Navy with the sixth fleet. He was recruited by NASA as a Space Educator in 1966 he traveled throughout the US as a Space Lecturer. He was assigned to Cape Canaveral for the first Moon Launch in July 1969, where he had the pleasure of greeting President Johnson and other dignitaries. Librado returned to Silver City where he taught math and biology in both Silver High School and Cobre High School. His chosen life's work was to work with young men and women as a teacher. Nothing was more rewarding than to receive a thank you from his former students. He was a gifted math teacher who helped students overcome their fear of math. He also served as a counselor and principal of Cobre High School. He served as a city official for a number of years, as a City Councilman in Silver City, and as mayor of the Town of Silver City. He took pride in overseeing the extension of water and sewer service to the eastern part of the Town of Silver City. He was a member of the Silver City Rotary Club, and served a term as president. Librado and Bonnie renovated the Stine-Fleming House on 6th St. over a period of over thirty years. They opened the historic home to diverse groups, including school children, who loved looking out of a porthole window upstairs. Librado will be remembered by his family as a dear father and grandfather. A private service will be held at a later date. Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.