Radames Maldonado Jr

Radames (Ray) Maldonado Jr. was born on November 23, 1959, at St. Luke's Hospital in New York, NY, to his parents Maria Mildred and Radames Maldonado Sr.  Ray’s journey touched the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to know him. His early years were shaped by a strong spiritual foundation laid by his parents, and music was a passion that blossomed in him early on.

Love found Ray at a young age when he met Ester, and they embarked on a lifelong journey together. Married on September 9, 1977, three children followed soon after. They built a home full of love, laughter, and music together in Rochester, NY, where family and friends always felt welcome. Ray and Ester felt a tugging in their heart to move their family to San Antonio to begin a church. They moved and founded a bilingual ministry named New Life Ministries of San Antonio/Ministerios Nueva Vida de San Antonio on October 20, 1987. Ray and Ester shepherded their flock, spreading the Good News, and demonstrating the extravagant love of Christ through their generosity. Their children led worship as they grew older, and the ministry grew into a beautiful family ministry. Together the Maldonado Family impacted the lives of countless others who found solace at New Life and gave their lives to Christ.

Ray faced many challenges after a stroke in 2020. The stroke severely affected his health. Despite enduring numerous medical setbacks, Ray’s resilience continued to inspire those around him. Ray fought a good fight, he finished his race, and he kept the faith.

In his final days, surrounded by loved ones, Ray peacefully transitioned into the arms of the Lord on November 24, 2023. His memory lives on through his family. Ray leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and unwavering dedication to his family. Today, as we bid farewell to a beloved husband, Papi, Papa, brother, Tio, and friend, let us carry forward the lessons Ray taught us – the power of love, the strength of faith, and the importance of selfless giving. Ray is survived by his wife Ester, his children Adam, Elizia, and Clarisa, their spouses, and ten beautiful grandchildren, as well as his siblings - David, Elias, Albert, Manuel, Lely, their spouses, and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Romans 1:16, CSB

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek.

2 Corinthians 5:17, CEV

Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new.