It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Paul Maldonado Jr. Paul was an admired husband, dad, grandpa, son-in-law, and uncle. Paul was born on December 6, 1957, to Paul Maldonado Sr. and Dolores Maldonado in El Paso, Texas. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Isela Maldonado, daughter Luanna Cantrell, son Pauly Maldonado, daughter Emily Maldonado, granddaughter Mia Cantrell, sisters Sylvia Castañeda, Norma Arellano, and Sandy Maldonado. He is preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law Arturo Esquivel Sr.

Paul worked as a copy editor and journalist at The El Paso Herald Post from 1986-1997 where he also wrote his own column called “Listen Up!” In this column he interviewed many different musicians on their latest releases. He attended numerous concerts including but not limited to SXSW and Coachella Music & Arts Festival.

Paul also worked at The Albuquerque Tribune from 1997 until its closing in 2008. After the closing of that paper, he worked at The Albuquerque Journal from 2008-2017.

His final career endeavor was as a substitute teacher from 2018-2023 after which he retired with APS School District.

With all of these life experiences you can imagine how many lives he had touched and how many people loved and respected him right back. Paul was the most thoughtful person as he was always looking out for his family, friends, and neighbors. He is sorely missed.