On Saturday, April 3, 2021, Joseph Cruz Maldonado, loving son, brother and uncle and grandson, passed away at the age of 28 as the result of an automobile accident.
Joseph was born May 14, 1992 at Mesa General Hospital in Mesa, Arizona to Aaron and Debbie (nee Waite) Maldonado. Joseph grew up in both the Mesa and the San Tan Valley areas and resided in Mesa at the time of his death. He attended schools in the Mesa, Combs and Queen Creek school districts graduating from Queen Creek High School in 2010.
Joseph served an honorable full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter days Saints in the Guatemala North mission. He learned to love the people, which was hard in the beginning because of his shy nature. Through his mission he grew to become an outgoing fun loving active adult. He was fluent in the Spanish language and actively attended various family and young adult wards.
Joseph worked for various companies which included sales, construction, U-Haul rentals and concrete work. At the time of his death he was employed with Sentry Builders for 4 years erecting and assembling metal buildings. He loved the crew he worked with on a day to day basis and was friends with them outside of work.
Joseph loved swimming, camping, hiking, fishing and shooting his guns. He enjoyed most outdoor sports. He liked to play soccer, football, pickle ball and frisbee. He enjoyed watching professional sports and was an ardent Green Bay Packers fan (Cheese-Head). He loved various types of music and participated in karaoke when the occasion called for it. He loved going to Puerto Penasco, Mexico (Rocky Point) often with his friends. He loved working on his truck and was considered to be very patriotic often flying an American flag on his truck.
He had a contagious smile and infectious laugh that uplifted and delighted everyone he was around. Joseph enjoyed hanging out and participating in various activities with his many friends. He would help others at the drop of a hat without question and without judgement. His service to those around left indelible marks on countless people. His compassion and love for his fellow man was a hallmark of his life. He was a spiritual giant with a quiet spirit and led by example.
Joseph was preceded in death by his grandparents, Josephine Waite, Cordelia Arvayo, Joseph Cruz Maldonado (his namesake) and his aunt, Deann Arney. He is survived by his parents, Aaron and Debbie Maldonado; sisters, Kaitelyn Carlen (Chris), Hannah Maldonado, Mattea Maldonado and Rose Apodaca (Hector); his grandfather, James W. Waite Jr; his nieces, Brielle Macias, Mila Carlen; and his nephews, Christian Carlen and Aiden Apodaca.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 17th, 2021 with the viewing will be held from 9:00am-11:00am and Services will begin at 11:00am, both at the following address:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints:
2559 E Combs Rd
San Tan Valley, AZ 85140
United States
Interment will be at the San Tan Memorial Gardens following the services:
22425 E Cloud Rd
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
United States
Flowers can be sent to:
San Tan Mountain View Funeral Home
21809 South Ellsworth Rd.
Queen Creek, AZ 85142