Salomon Maldonado

Salomon Maldonado, passed away peacefully at his home in Harlingen at the age of 96, on the evening of Monday, November 6, 2023. He was inspired by his faith to live a purposeful life and encourage others to do the same. He was born on October 30, 1927 in Montemorelos, Nuevo León, Mexico, to Manuel and Elvira (Alanis) Maldonado. As the oldest of five children he was driven to provide for his family from an early age. On June 14, 1948 he married Dora Celia Rios. With the encouragement of his namesake maternal grandfather and his young wife he attended the Universadad de Nuevo Leon (UNL), completing a Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering in 1953. While attending the university he worked in various industries and tutored students in mathematics and engineering Soon after he emigrated to the United States, settling in Harlingen with Dora and their young son Roberto. As he gained work experience, he continued his studies and in 1964 UNL awarded him a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering with specialties in structural and refrigeration design. During the 1950s he held positions in machine design, quality control, project management, and production systems. In the 1960s he became the Operations Manager for Tex-Steel Corporation and progressed to the position of Senior Vice President of Technology and Product Development where he designed and implemented advanced computer control and robotic systems throughout the company. In the early 1970s he, along with a few partners, purchased the company. Salomon was involved in many other business ventures including being a past director of Texas State Bank, and startups in logistics, construction, real estate development, and international labor relations. In recognition for his technical and business accomplishments, he was elected as member of the UNL Engineering Academy in 1980. After 58 years of marriage, his wife Dora preceded him in death, as did his son Roberto, his parents, his brother Manuel, and sisters Lucinda and Gloria, as well as family members of his generation. Salomon is survived by his sons, Cesar (Liz) Maldonado of Houston; and Jorge (Rosie) Maldonado of Harlingen; sister Maria Antonia Maldonado of Monterrey, N.L., Mexico; brother-in-law, Ariel (Celia) Rios, sister-in-law Corina Rios, grandchildren Laura (Jason) Rocha, Alexis (Chase) Mansell, Kristin Maldonado, and Cassandra Maldonado of Houston; Marcus Maldonado and Christopher (Marisa) Maldonado of Harlingen, Nick Maldonado of New York City; and Vanessa Heck and Selina Maldonado of Dallas; great-grandchildren Julianne and William Rocha, Harrison and Preston Heck, Vincent and Elise Mansell; Lucas and Carter Maldonado and many other close and treasured relatives. Friends and family are cordially invited to gather with the family and share remembrances of Salomon from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm on Sunday, the 12th of November 2023, at Rudy Garza Funeral Home, 1702 East Harrison in Harlingen. A Memorial Service is to be conducted at 3:00 pm on Sunday, the 12th of November 2023. The family will gather at a later date for a private interment at Restlawn Cemetery in Harlingen, Texas. The Maldonado family wishes to thank the medical and support team at Valley Baptist Medical Center, in particular Dr. Victoria Parada and Dr. Ricardo Schwarcz, for their guidance. We also want to thank Felipe Reyes and Maria Ruiz for their support in caring for Salomon. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in his name be directed to the charity of your choice in support of education.

Salomon Maldonado

October 30, 1927 - November 6, 2023

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