John Edward Maldonado

AIKEN, SC - John Edward Maldonado, born January 13, 1954, in California, passed away Friday, February 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, excellence, music, and deep love for his family.

As the son of a United States Air Force serviceman, John spent his early years traveling the world. His childhood included relocating to France, where French became his first language. Over the course of his youth living in several countries, he became fluent in French, Spanish, Italian, German, and English — a reflection of both his intelligence and adaptability.

John graduated from Mitchell High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he was known as a straight-A student, a tireless worker, and, by many accounts, an overachiever. While still in school, he worked full-time and became a manager of the newly established Pizza Hut franchise in Colorado Springs. After high school, he aspired to attend law school and even declined two presidential military appointments in pursuit of that goal. Though later drafted, he served honorably in the United States Air Force for a brief period before continuing his education at the University of Colorado, working toward his law degree while maintaining full-time employment as an insurance sales associate, earning recognition as a Million Dollar Round Table member and rainmaker sales executive.

His entrepreneurial spirit and gift for leadership took him to California for several years, where he built an impressive career as a government recruitment executive. Eventually returning to the Colorado Rockies, John became involved in launching franchise restaurant concepts, including KFC and Fish n’ Chips. He went on to own and operate multiple restaurants in the Colorado Springs and Pueblo areas, demonstrating his keen business acumen.

Beyond business and public service, music was one of John’s greatest passions. A gifted singer and guitarist, he was signed by BMI Records in the 1980s. He cherished memories of performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage and sharing the spotlight with artists such as Reba McEntire, Johnny Duncan, and Donna Fargo. Opening for Donna Fargo in Colorado Springs and being officially signed at The Broadmoor were among his proudest accomplishments. At home, he was often found with a guitar in hand, writing songs and filling the house with music.

At the height of his entrepreneurial success, John felt called to public service. Selling his restaurants at their peak, he joined the Colorado Springs Police Department. It was during the early years of his law enforcement career that he met his wife, Donna Sue — whom he lovingly called “his person.” He often said he knew from the moment their eyes met that he would spend the rest of his life with her.

Over a distinguished 25-year career with the Colorado Springs Police Department, John rose to the rank of Sergeant and became a highly decorated officer. He was awarded both the Medal of Distinguished Service and the Medal of Valor following a shooting incident. The tactical techniques he employed during that event were later incorporated into police academy training programs throughout the western United States. In addition to his service, John helped reform the department’s retirement plan, enabling officers with 20 years of service to retire earlier. During these years, he continued his education and earned his MBA.

Retiring at the young age of 45, John and Donna relocated in 1999 to Lexington, South Carolina, seeking warmer weather and new adventures. True to his nature, retirement did not slow him down. He began working with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and later served as a federal investigator with USIS for more than a decade. In the early 2000s, he and Donna moved to Aiken, South Carolina, where he became a Personal Security Analyst for the Savannah River Site. He retired for the second time in 2019.

John is survived by his devoted wife, Donna Sue Maldonado; his brother, Thomas Maldonado; his daughters, Jenifer Maldonado Miller and husband Donavon Miller, Brigitte Sue and husband Travis Smith, and Dominique Maldonado; and his beloved grandchildren, Mathew, Dane, Delaney, Maximus, Harvey, Travis Junior, Haleigh, Payton, Braylynn, and Dean. He was preceded in death by his father, John Maldonado, and Flora Leigh.

John will be remembered as a man of remarkable intellect, courage, determination, and heart. Whether leading in business, protecting his community, performing on stage, or sitting at home with his guitar, he lived fully and boldly. Above all, he was a man devoted to his family — and especially to the love of his life, Donna.

His legacy of service, strength, music, and love will live on in all who knew him.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Tuesday, February 24th at Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home, Inc., 715 E. Pine Log Rd., Aiken, SC 29803.

Friends are invited to a Funeral Liturgy at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at old St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, 125 Park Ave SE, Aiken, SC 29801, with Deacon Bob Pierce as celebrant. Final rites and commendations will follow in Bethany Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the US Air Force. 

SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 715 E. PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC 29803