August 24th 2021
LIFE AND TIMES OF LUIS ENRIQUE MALDONADO
Luis Enrique Maldonado was born June 17, 1941, on the small island of Vieques, Puerto Rico. He was born to Dionisio Ayala and Antonia “Tonia” Maldonado.
He was the youngest of 6 sisters and brothers.
He was born prematurely and was tiny, “piroli” and so they gave him the nickname of Piro. Nevertheless he grew up to be a strong strapping man, able to build his own house plus many other things for many people to include a beauty salon for his beloved wife, Carmen “Chinita”.
At the age of 6, the family migrated to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands where he was raised. Then he subsequently made St. Croix his home after living experiences in his early 20s in New York and St. Thomas. This was home to him and his family that became a dynasty of 6 children, 19 grand-children and 7 great-grandchildren.
He worked in various positions to include a Corrections Officer and also as technicians at local companies, Harvey and Litwin. And then finally retiring from the federal government as a Park Ranger for the Dept of Interior National Park Service where during that time he even served as a Union Stewart.
A major part of my father’s life was music! He was an extraordinary musician. He played many instruments but his favorite was the alto saxophone. He had the sharpest musical ear and could pick up a tune and play it in minutes.
Many know him as Piro, the One Man Band! But this brand became known throughout the entire island of St. Croix as my Father performed at all corners of this island! East, west, North and South. From the Beer drinking pigs, to passengers coming off the cruise ships to dignitaries at ceremonies and in halls of greatness.
He should be in the guiness book of records for playing multiple instruments of a band just him by himself, playing even with his toes.
In 2004, he turned his life back over to God and stopped playing music for the world and dedicated his talents strictly for the glory of God and re-branded himself as Piro Puro Fuego Para Cristo.
He graduated from Bible Institute and became a Bible scholar along with his wife, my 2nd mother, Carmen Maldonado.
He rendered his skills in service to the church building many times. And became a wise elder of the community. And has been recognized for his community service as well.
My father, Piro, touched the lives of many and was a part of many lives. He built a combination gym and music studio on his property (his two favorite past times) and then made this facility available to the youth in the neighborhood. It became a neighborhood facility and kept many young people actively engaged in a positive activity.
He was a music mentor to many and shared his joy of music not only by performing but by teaching, demonstrating and mentoring. He even donated instruments to young people which is now part of his legacy.
After a 10 year battle with cancer and Parkinson’s disease, Luis Maldonado went on to eternal rest and no more pain on August 17, 2021. His life was full, fruitful and meaningful. He left his mark here on earth to never be forgotten by those who love him and knew him.
Rest in Peace, Padre Mio - Carol Maldonado
August 24th 2021
OBITUARY FOR LUIS ENRIQUE MALDONADO
Luis Enrique Maldonado (aka Piro, the One Man Band and Piro, Puro Fuego Para Cristo) of Estate Clifton Hill transitioned into eternal peace on Tuesday, August 17, 2021. He was 80 years old.
He was preceded in death by his Father, Dionisio Ayala and his Mother, Antonia Maldonado Ayala, Brothers: Dionisio Maldonado (Gongi) & Ernesto Ayala (Nestin)
He is survived by his wife, Carmen Milagros Santiago Reyes Maldonado.
Daughters: Candita Ayala de Rivera, Carol Maldonado & Denise Maldonado.
Sons: Luis E. Ayala, Alejandro L. Maldonado, Samir Maldonado.
Daughters in Law: Ashley Maldonado and Veronica Maldonado
Son in Law: Francisco Rivera
Grandchildren: Yaritza Torrens, Rene Torrens, Jr., Joel E. Torrens, Kyanna M. Torrens, Meshellis M. E. Sanes, Erick E. Richardson, Ericka A. Richardson, Sasha K. Finnell, Omar Rivera, Denisha Rivera, Natan Hernandez, Gianni Cuevas, Jovan Maldonado, Tatiana Lukeisy, Briana Maldonado, Lilibeth Luz Maldonado, Leandra Maldonado, Isabella Maldonado, Samuel Maldonado.
Great-Grandchildren: Yariana Mercado, Shilee Torrens, Ladejah Delande, Akaleya Johnson, Kai Torrens, Jayden Rashawn Smith and Shyann Janice Marie Rivera.
One Surviving Brother: Miguel Ayala. Two Surviving Sisters: Juana De Jesus and Candita Rivera.
Brothers & Sisters in Law: Daniel, Jesus & Diego Reyes, Vilma Lugo, Lucy Parilla, Raquel Cotto, Nora Coronado & Maria Santiago.
Nieces & Nephews: Jose' Juan Ayala, Enrique Ayala, Antonia Ayala Ortiz, Carlos Ayala, Manuel, Miguel, Juanita, Julio & Maria Ayala. Antonia Colon, Luis & Emanuel Colon, Carmen Gomez, Lydia E. Gomez.
Special Cousin: Jose' A. Maldonado (Tele)
Special Nephew: Jose Ayala (Pocho)
Best Friend: Jose Augustin Maldonado (Tele)
Close Fellow Musicians: Norbin Felix & Pastor & Cousin Victor Belardo.
Other family, brothers in Christ and special friends too numerous to mention.
Funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at James Memorial Funeral Home. There will be no viewing. Service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.
Those unable to attend the funeral service can view it on the Zoom Meeting App that can be accessed via cell phone by downloading the app or via computer. Then you will need to enter Meeting ID #667 277 2184 and then Passcode # piro
Cards, condolences, well wishes and flowers can be directed to James Memorial Funeral Home - 340-718-8663. Address: 4040 Estate La Grande Princess, Suite 9, Christiansted, St. Croix, USVI 00820.
Also, memories, wishes, candle lighting & photos can also be shared on https://luismaldonado.remembered.com
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