Alexander "AJ" Jade Maldonado

Alexander Maldonado was born prematurely on November 26, 2006 in San Bernardino California to Eliakim Maldonado and Christina Guzman. He spent many months in the NICU, he was a fighter from the beginning. Last July he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer called Demo-plastic Small Round Cell Tumors, also known as DSRCT. Sadly, there are only about 200 cases worldwide with a zero-survival rate. He continued to be a fighter up until the very end. AJ passed away on October 19, 2024, surrounded by family. He was a beautiful soul who touched the souls of everyone he met. He was smart, sweet, kind, caring, genuine, and had a heart of gold. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. 

AJ was a senior at Rockdale County High School located in Georgia. He was very smart and when given the opportunity, he enjoyed mentoring his peers. We are beyond proud of his accomplishments and are so honored to hear that Rockdale County High will award him with an Honorable Diploma. He dreamed about becoming a surgeon one day in the pursuit of saving lives. He was a huge gamer, and loved playing games such as Fortnite, Rainbow 6 Siege and Black Ops among many others, as well as taking part in the live streaming aspects of it. As he entered High School, he made the decision to be referred to by his birth name Alex instead of AJ, in the pursuit of his personal growth.

Alex traveled all over the United States. He lived in Utah, Nebraska, Texas, Colorado, and Georgia in his short 17 years of life, but chose to come back home to Utah for his final days so he could be closer to his family and lifetime friends. Alex found out the day before he passed that he was approved for his wish through the “Make-A-Wish Foundation”. He originally wanted to go to Hawaii, but changed his wish to Lava Hot Springs instead, so that he could have everyone together. Family meant everything to him. Even though he was not able to make the trip, just knowing they approved his wish meant the world to him. They are still going to have a celebration in his honor. We would like everyone to be able to come to the ceremony if possible. We know that they will allow up to 50 guests at the celebration, however, the date has not been determined at this time.

Alex is survived by his father Eliakim Maldonado Sr., and his mother Christina Moore (Thomas Moore). Including his siblings Eliakim Jr., Matthew, Ryan, Savannah, Aaron, Kegen, and Arianna. Aunts, Uncles, cousins and let’s not forget his niece Evie, who he adored. He loved being “UNC-UNC”. Alex loved everyone, especially his extended family. His stepdad, Thomas, was very special to him. He grew up with two stepmoms, Cristal and Nikie who loved him as their own. Plus, Antonia and her children who have been his lifetime friends since kindergarten, whom he considered his family. He had so much love and support in his final days. He was such a beacon of light and will live on in our hearts forever. We love you AJ and always will! 

He is preceded in death by his grandparents Margaret and Raul Olivas, as well as Jorge and Carmen Ortiz.

There will be a viewing on Monday, November 4, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Memorial Redwood Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Memorial Redwood Mortuary. You may visit with the family at a viewing one hour prior to services from 10:00 to 10:45 AM. After the funeral, there will be a graveside service where he will be laid to rest at Valley View Memorial Park and Funeral Home located at 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley, Utah.

We would like to personally say thank you to everyone who has donated to his funeral cost! Thank you to Make-A-Wish Foundation and his wonderful hospice team through Intermountain Healthcare. Thank you to Nikie for supporting his wish to be back in Utah so that he could be surrounded by his loved ones. He was so blessed to have such a huge support system between his mom, dad, stepmoms, stepdad, all his siblings, and the rest of his extended family and lifetime friends. Alex was such a blessing to so many people and will be missed deeply. Rest In Eternal Peace our sweet AJ!