SSG Rafael Tirado Maldonado, US Army (Ret.), age 67, of Ellabell passed away Friday, June 28, 2019, at St Joseph’s Hospital.
Born on January 18, 1952, in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, he was the son of Rodrigo Maldonado and Rafaela Tirado Vasquez. He was a retired Staff Sergeant in the US Army, serving as an Infantryman and Petroleum Supply Specialist. His many medals included Army service ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal, 4 Overseas Service Ribbons, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in Korea, Professional Development Ribbon/Expert Badge as a Rifleman, and several more. He was an excellent Domino player and he loved to spend time with his friends , which he considered as his second family! He was an avid golfer and loved his family.
He was preceded in death by his Mother, Father, a brother, Alejandro Maldonado, and a sister, Ana Lydia Maldonado.
He is survived by his wife, Diane Murray Hensley, of Ellabell, his daughter Krystal Maldonado, his stepdaughters,Kimberly Hensley, Stephanie Love and Angela Hensley, his sister Petra Maldonado, his brother Carlos Maldonado, a host of nieces, nephews and other family members as well as close friends.
The family will receive friends Monday, July 8, 2019, from 6 pm to 8 pm at Families First Funeral Care, 1328 Dean Forest Road, Savannah, GA 31405. A funeral service will be held, Tuesday, July 9th, 2019 at 10 am at the Families First Funeral Care Chapel. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family.
www.familiesfirstcare.com
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Rose
My dear friend you will be missed!! RIP..????
Maria C Vinales Mendez
We used to call him Rafa. We grew up together in the small town of Dorado, Puerto Rico. His sister, Petra and I studied together. I pray to God for strengh during this time for His wife, daughter, brother Carlos, sister Petra and the rest of the family. God bless you all. Rest in peace Rafa. With love, María Viñales.
Ada
Gracias por haber estado siempre conmigo. Sabes que siempre estarás en mi corazón, te extrañaré pero siempre te recordaré.
Marcos
To a good friend to all who knew him. I remember once that he gave me a motorcycle out of the clear blue very generous person and humble to others needs. U will be miss bro RIP!!
Magda Sanchez
To my dearest friend for so many years since I’ve known you,always generous and kind to me and my son Jason we will always remember you and keep you in our hearts,you’ll be missed…R.i.p
Rai Rivera
Rafa,
Siempre eras como un tío para mi. Siempre estabas en casa celebrando con nosotros cumpleaños, año nuevo y muchas otras ocasiones especiales. Te queremos mucho y sabemos que estás gozando y jugando dominos donde estás ahora.
-Rai
Andres Miranda Rivera
May He Rest In Peace, great friend and fellow soldier.7
Christopher Davis
Love you uncle rest well, great man and friend always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell. We love you
JJ García
Rest In Peace my friend. Your body is no longer with us, but you will always be present in our memories. Thank you for the times we spent together, playing golf and having lunch after a good round. Until we meet again my brother.
Love you!
J J Garcia