Reuben Alexander Maldonado

Reuben Alexander Maldonado 1957-2023

Reuben was born on March 17, 1957, in Dallas, Texas to Angelita "Helen" Maldonado and Thomas Maldonado, Sr. He was a kind, caring and gentle soul, and an exemplary son, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Reuben was a superior talent in virtually every endeavor he undertook, including soccer, baseball, football, golf, fishing, track-even singing. He played soccer from an early age, becoming nationally known and was considered one of the best players in the nation in the 1970s. He was a star on the city championship soccer team at North Dallas High School in 1974 and was voted most athletic in his senior class his senior year, in addition to being nominated for the most handsome award. He was an All- DFW Metro baseball team selection in 1975 as a center fielder and switch hitter. He was a member of the North Texas State University soccer team where he enrolled to study Physical Education. He appeared in a photo on the cover of the national Soccer America magazine in 1976 as a subject of an article called the Joy of Scoring the Winning Goal. He went on to coach soccer officially at Episcopal School of Dallas and unofficially for countless nephews' and nieces' teams. He was a printer professionally for over 40 years.

He was most proud to be a father to his three girls, Kristi, Stephanie and Natalie and Grandpa to his numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He LOVED the Dallas Cowboys. He was a member of the St. Monica Catholic Church in Dallas.

Reuben was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Elvia Reeves and Grace Maldonado. He is survived by his daughters Kristi Maldonado (Joel Lopez), Stephanie Garcia (Jerry), Natalie Maldonado (Robert Aguirre) grandsons Julian, Jerry, Jeremiah and granddaughters Hannah, Destiny, Savannah, Nevaeh and Brissa, and many great grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters Carmen Rodriguez, Janie Vivero and Helen Maldonado (Albert Valtierra), and brothers Thomas Maldonado, Jr. (Susie) and David Maldonado (Maryanne).

We will miss him greatly.