David S. Maldonado passed away peacefully with his wife and children by his side on Thursday, July 18, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on March 13, 1945, in San Antonio, Texas, to Jesusa and Lorenzo Maldonado. His life, filled with love, family and faith, leaves an enduring legacy.

David, a former drummer of a small town band, pursued a career in aviation where he became an Aviation Sheet Metal Mechanic. He was responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining sheet metal components of aircraft structures, including the skin, frames, and panels. Over his career, he helped fabricate multiple aircraft from the Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner to the repair and fabrication of the Boeing 747. One of David's biggest accomplishments was a classified operation building the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk, a subsonic twin-engine stealth attack aircraft operated by the USAF. It was the first operational aircraft to be designed with stealth technology. David has worked for numerous companies working across the US in California, Kansas, Colorado, Texas, Louisiana and North Carolina. David also worked overseas for Dyncorp in Ramstein, Germany, where he helped in repairing UH60s and AH64s. David ended his career in Texas returning home to San Antonio.

Beyond his professional career, David's dedication to his faith and his work ethic was matched by his love for his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, always putting his family first. David enjoyed spending time with his family, reflecting on his life's journey, and sharing his life lessons. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, from camping out at the river to BBQs at home with family. His love for music was more than just a hobby; playing drums in a band when he was younger, giving the tell all during conversations with his loved ones. His stories of aviation, being a musician and playing pool were shared with passion and laughter. His family will forever cherish these memories and the lessons of commitment, dedication and love that he imparted to them.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Michelle De Leon.

David is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Irma C. Maldonado; children, Paula A. Boswell, Cynthia A. Maldonado, David Maldonado Jr.; sons-in-law, Mando De Leon, Karl Boswell and Louis Paz; and daughter-in-law, Mona Maldonado; sister, Olga Maldonado; brothers, Lorenzo Maldonado and Bennito  Maldonado; and numerous grandchildren: Janelle Tobias, Thomas Tobias, Chelsea Garrett, Jennifer A. Boswell, Vanessa R. Boswell, Aaron P. Boswell, Rosana Maldonado, David Maldonado III, Isabel Maldonado, Jennifer C. Maldonado, Sabrina Paz, Steven Paz and Joshua Beacom, great-grandchildren: Jaliyah, Christopher, Juliette, Joelina, Bradley, Lennon, Presley, Morrison, Jeremy, Kai, Omarion, Jabari, Ja'Mari, Amiya, Ella, Joshua Jr. Jayden, Elijah, Angelina, Alexandrea Bonita, Aaligah; an abundance of nieces and nephews; and extended family and friends.