Abdiel Maldonado

Abdiel Manuel Maldonado, aged 44, residing in Santa Ana, CA passed away on August 21, 2022, after a long battle with Lung Cancer.

Abdiel, born on December 15, 1977, grew up in Asbury Park, NJ. Upon graduating from high school, Abdiel enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Abdiel is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. For his service, he earned a Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation - Navy, and Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation. He served honorably in the Marines, retiring at the rank of First Sergeant.

After his military career, Abdiel pursued a higher education, as he believed his educational achievement would also open doors for his children. He obtained a Masters in Business Administration from the University of California Irvine, a Masters in Human Resources from the University of Southern California, and professional designations from the Society of Human Resources Management and Human Resource Standards Institute.

Abdiel’s experience in the Marines played a very important role in his life. He frequently pointed out that the Marines taught him the value of discipline, teamwork, and investing in a cause larger than himself. His time in the service also infused his passion for helping others achieve their success. Upon ending his military service, he continued to help others and paying it forward as a Human Resource professional and Veteran Transition Mentor. His ultimate goal was to help transitioning service members and their families find meaningful employment after their military careers. When he was not helping others, Abdiel loved running, traveling, and spending quality time with his family.

Abdiel is survived by Angie Maldonado and his 3 boys - Abdiel Jr, Alejandro, and Antonio.

Navarro Funerals and Cremations will host a Rosary Service at 10 am and Funeral Service at 11 am for Abdiel at Saint Cecilia Church, 1301 Sycamore Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780 on Friday, September 2, 2022. Followed by interment at Rose Hills Cemetery, 3888 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life immediately following interment. We will gather together to remember an amazing man, who will be greatly missed. More details on the location will be shared in a few days. 



As you all know Abdiel, he was not one for sadness but hope. He was of life and color. We encourage you to wear clothing that represents this for you. As a hint, blue was his favorite color.

In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Abdiel’s legacy, we encourage you to make a donation to one of the following organizations:

• Longevity - Find it. Treat It. Live. 
https://fundraise.lungevity.org/campaign/Abdiel-Maldonado
• American Lung Association - To save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. 
https://action.lung.org/site/Donation
• Vet CTAP - Help Support our Veterans. 
https://www.vetctap.org/donate.html
• University of California - Irvine
, Military Student Bridging the Gap Scholarship
https://dev.veteran.uci.edu/giving.php