With heavy hearts and profound love, we announce the passing of Gabriel Rene Maldonado, who entered into eternal rest on September 7, 2026, at the age of 64.

Gabriel’s life was a testament to perseverance, strength, and unwavering faith. He lived each day facing the challenges of his disability—a battle that required courage and determination in ways many people would never fully understand. There were difficult days, painful days, and days when simply continuing to fight required incredible strength. Yet through it all, Gabriel chose faith over fear.

He fought every day for another day.

Another day with his wife. Another day with his daughter. Another day surrounded by the family he loved. And perhaps most of all, another day with his grandchildren, who were truly his entire world.

His grandchildren brought him a joy unlike anything else. Jordan, LarissaRose, Liam, and Elianna held an immeasurable place in their grandpa’s heart. They gave him countless reasons to smile, to keep going, and to continue fighting even on the hardest days. He was also awaiting the arrival of another beautiful granddaughter, Selah, who will grow up knowing just how deeply her Grandpa already loved her and how much his strength and faith are a part of the legacy she inherits.

Gabriel’s faith remained at the center of his life and his fight. He understood that his circumstances did not determine the strength of his faith. Rather than allowing fear to have the final word, he continued to trust God and treasure every additional day he was given with those he loved.

The scripture he chose for himself now speaks even more powerfully over the life he lived:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7

He truly fought the good fight. He fought through his disability. He fought through difficult days. He fought for time. He fought to remain present for the people who meant everything to him. And when fear could have consumed him, he held onto his faith.

Gabriel is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Martha Maldonado; his only daughter, Melissa Machado; his son-in-law, Larry Machado; and his beautiful grandchildren, Jordan, LarissaRose, Liam, Elianna, and Selah.

The greatest measure of Gabriel’s life will not be found in the challenges he faced, but in the love and faith with which he faced them. His disability was part of his journey, but it never defined the man he was. He will be remembered for his resilience, his determination, his faith in God, and above all, the tremendous love he carried for his family.

His fight has ended, but his legacy has not.

It lives in his wife, his daughter, his son-in-law, his grandchildren, and every person who witnessed his courage.

Rest peacefully, Pops. Your fight is over, your faith remained, and your love will live on forever.