Lambert Maldonado, age 75, of Wilmington, California passed away on Sunday August 25, 2019 in Torrance, CA. Lambert was born February 23, 1944, in Harlingen, Texas to Benito and Sara Maldonado. He was the fourth of eight children and was raised in the small town of Ramones in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. In 1956, the family came to the USA, settling in the Coachella Valley, where he picked cotton and other crops. The family later moved to the South Bay, residing in Compton, Torrance and finally Gardena. He started working at a young age and developed his mechanic skills during this time. In 1967, he enlisted in the US Army. After basic training, he served a year in Vietnam as a wheel vehicle mechanic. He finished his military service in Devon, Massachusetts, where he met Monique Healy and they had their daughter Jessica. When he returned to California, he earned his A.S. in Automotive Technology under the GI Bill. He worked as a mechanic, at one time owning his own shop until he retired in 2007. In 1976, he married Carol Villalobos, and they had two daughters: Elisa and Monica. They resided in Wilmington. He enjoyed fishing, reading Stuart Woods books, watching Dodger games, visiting casinos and going on cruises.
Lambert is survived by his wife of 43 years: Carol Maldonado; daughter Jessica Parker; daughter Elisa (Everett) Maldonado-Greene; daughter Monica Maldonado; grandson: Devon James (DJ) Brooks; granddaughter Nayeli Greene; sister Grace Hansen, sister Dora Mayorga and sister Ana Cadena.
Lambert was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers.
A visitation for Lambert will be held Friday, September 13, 2019 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Funeraria Del Angel Wilmington, 1640 North Avalon Blvd, Wilmington, CA 90744. Following the visitation will be a prayer service at 10:30 AM at Funeraria del Angel Wilmington FD #858, 1640 N Avalon Blvd, Wilmington, California 90744.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) travel scholarship fund in memory of Lambert Maldonado. Lambert was a smart guy but, as an immigrant to the US from Mexico, didn't have te opportunity for a higher education. SACNAS makes this possible for other first generation Chicanos like him. To donate, visit: https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/form/6e05df85-2466-4db1-82b75ee364c712d6. To learn more about SACNAS, visit: sacnas.org.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Funerariadelangelwilmington.com for the Maldonado family.
