Hector Rito Maldonado, Sr.

December 24, 1934 - August 12, 2019

Hector Rito Maldonado, Sr. passed away on Monday, August 12, 2019 at the age of 84. He was a native of Ponce, Puerto Rico and a resident of Kenner. Beloved husband of Dr. Blanca Rosa Maldonado. Father of Hector Rito Maldonado, Jr. (Marie), Wayne Robert Maldonado (Gwen) and Leslie Maldonado Armbruster (Paul). Grandfather of Aimee Brown (Matt), Kyle Maldonado, Ryan Maldonado (Madelyn), Michael Maldonado, Michael Armbruster, Matthew Armbruster, Mark Armbruster and Mitchell Armbruster. Preceded in death by 2 great grandchildren. Son of the late Rito Maldonado and Justina Maldonado. Brother of Ada Adaime and the late Roberto, Gladys and Jaime Maldonado. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Hector was one of the founders of UNISAL (Unified Salvadorans of New Orleans). This foundation provides scholarships for Salvadoran students with limited resources. He was a board member of the New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation (NOHHF). This foundation provides scholarships to low income students with Hispanic backgrounds in New Orleans. He was a member and former president of the Hispanic Organization for Latin Arts (HOLA). He was also a board member of the Puerto Rico Club of New Orleans. He founded the Puerto Rican Cultural Festival. He was a legend of baseball in Puerto Rico. In 1985, he was honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame of Ponce, Puerto Rico. He worked for Occidental Life and Pan American Life Insurance companies for many years. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 6367 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, on Saturday, August 17, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a Memorial Mass at 12:00 p.m. To share memories or condolences visit www.muhleisen.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation, 201 St. Charles Ave., Ste.114 #106, New Orleans, LA 70170 or through Facebook.