Born on February 10th 1966, Robert Anthony Maldonado Sr. was a man of strength and honor. Characterized by his positive outlook, love of country and innate sense of humor, he lived to serve others and his community. He was a father, a brother, a husband, a son and to hundreds of others, a very dear friend and father-figure.
Utilizing his many skill sets, talents and wisdom, he was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need regardless of the time of day. His impact on others and his community can be measured not by his numerous accomplishments, but by the number of lives he touched.
His life was so full of adventure, travels, experiences and laughs that it all cannot possibly be detailed in this brief passage. What we can describe is some of his story and where it all began. The rest of his story lives on through us and his community, whom he affected for the betterment of humanity.
It all began in Brooklyn, NY where he was born to Dominican immigrant parents, Maximo and Antica Maldonado. Shortly after birth he moved to Lawrence, MA, where he was raised along with his five other incredible brothers and sisters, Juana, Paul, Ezequiel, Noemi and Daniel. He attended Greater Lawrence Technical School where he graduated near the top of his class at 3rd overall.
While attending some college and managing multiple jobs, he joined the Lawrence Auxiliary Police Force. He also was a member of a local volunteer rescue group, Rescue 9, that worked with Lawrence emergency services. After serving some years as an Auxiliary Police Officer, he transitioned to a full-time Lawrence Police Officer and served honorably in that role. It was during this time that he met his wife, Kathleen Maldonado, who birthed four children, sons Robert Jr., Joshua and William and daughter Natashia.
His love for technology drove him to begin integrating computer systems into the patrol vehicles of the Lawrence Police Department. This then led him to transition into working for Lawrence City Hall, in the Information Technology Department, eventually managing that department as its supervisor. He served many honorable years in the Information Technology Department, upgrading the City’s infrastructure and serving those who continue to serve this beautiful City.
He then transitioned from the Information Technology Department to hauling asphalt for Sunshine Paving, a position that he truly enjoyed. When numerous health complications no longer allowed him to continue in that position, he became a beloved and proud member of the Greater Lawrence Community Boating Program (GLCBP). While serving as a member of the GLCBP, he gave back to thousands of youths throughout the local community and region and fostered an environment of positivity, happiness and respect. It was especially during this time in his life that he became a father-figure to many who may not have had that opportunity in their life.
Known for helping those in need, he was as selfless as one could aspire to be. He loved to help and he loved his tools. Some of his family jokingly called him the ‘Makita Man’. Even while he suffered from physical complications, he would pull over on the highway and help others with flat tires using the tools he carried with him. Whether it was fixing flats for strangers or delivering eggs every week to those in need, he always put others well-being above his own.
A man of God, he was a proud father, excellent listener and humble soul. He has saved many lives during his time on this Earth and now has transitioned from this plane of existence. He is survived by his parents Maximo and Antica Maldonado, siblings, Juana Bencosme, Paul, Ezequiel, Dani and Noemi Munoz, children, Robert Jr., Joshua, Natashia and William, and grandchildren, Declan, Julian and Aurora Lopez.