Obituary of Peter Roger Maldonado

Roger left to be with our Lord on December 1st, 2021, at the age of 70. He was born and raised in Trinidad, Colorado on April 11th, 1951, to Pete Celestino and Mary Rachel Maldonado.

In 1969, Roger graduated from Trinidad High School. Soon after, he enlisted and served in the U.S. Marine Corps, honorably discharged on July 7th, 1971, bringing home a Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, a National Service Defense Medal, and the Meritorious Mast. After his long-awaited return, he moved to Denver and became a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service. With excellence, passion, and a dedication to be the #1 letter carrier in the Denver Metro area, Roger quickly rose to be known as the best at what he did by many. During that time, he met the love of his life, Roberta Riggs, and vowed to marry her one day. It didn’t take long to fulfill that promise, and soon after, they settled down and grew a family, married for 48 years. He proudly retired on May 27th, 2016, after almost 46 years, accomplishing his long awaited goal.

A loving provider and caregiver, Roger always enjoyed spending quality time with his loved ones, going out of his way to ensure the happiness of those he cared for. He would give you his shirt off his back and never think twice about it, that is the kind of caring person he was. Roger was the glue that held everyone together. Always full of life, he loved playing with his grandchildren and brought the energy and warmth to anyone and everyone around him. 

Roger was the best cook in the house, maybe even the world, mostly because he cooked with his most famous ingredient, “LOVE”. He enjoyed sharing, often filling a cooler with breakfast and lunch burritos to give out, filled with his delicious green or red chili and enticing salsa. Food full of flavor that filled the tummy, but most importantly, fulfilled the soul. An avid fan of all sports, especially his Denver Broncos and Colorado Avalanche. 

More often than not, one would find him outdoors; with a thumb as green as Kentucky BlueGrass, Roger loved caring for his gardens, along with fishing, and admiring wildlife, overall just appreciating mother nature's natural beauties. With so much zest, it was no surprise his singing and dancing were top-notch. Along with his comical impressions and whistle as lively as a bird’s, one could sense him from a mile away.

Roger was quite the jokester, making those around him laugh even through their worst days, the type that got them gasping for air and slapping their knees. With a laugh contagious as ever and a smile just the same, being in his presence was always a good time. Often, people would ask why he was always so happy, never a grey cloud in sight. He would always reply, “Why wouldn’t I be? God gave me another day to be alive, spend with my family, and love.” Roger fought and defeated cancer three separate times, and not a day went by that he even pondered giving up. We will all truly miss our DADDY “O”. Rest in peace and we hope to reunite with you one day Pops!

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Roger is survived by his wife, Roberta; his three children, Crystal (Mark), Roger (Merinda), and Amanda (Leonel); his six grandchildren, Tessa, Graycee, Alexander, Halia, Isabelle, and Shanessa (Jake); his great-grandchildren, Ezra and Oliver; and a loving brother to Sue, Lorie, Connie, Debbie, and Theresa. He will truly be missed by his endless list of family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Pete and Mary, and sister Flora Acosta.

“My sweet Man you touched my heart the first time I met you. So Handsome So Kind so Loving 48 ½ yrs is not Enough for Me. You were the wind beneath my wings I Loved you then & forever. You Are my Handsome Prince, My Handsome man, My Precious.”

--Love, Roberta Maldonado

A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 18th, 2022, at 1:15pm at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd, Denver, Colorado 80236, Staging Area C.