Jose "Pepe" Maldonado

MCALLEN - Jose "Pepe" Maldonado, 83, entered eternal rest on Friday, November 29, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. Jose Maldonado is preceded in death by his parents, Santana and Nieves; his siblings, Catarina, Margil, and Leonard; and by his son-in-law, Ray Rivera.

Pepe grew up in a hard-working family in the Rio Grande Valley. At a young age, he dreamed of being part of the music scene as a singer. "Pepe" began performing in local bands and by the age of 15 he was playing a variety of instruments and singing. In 1962 , He created his own band- "Pepe Maldonado y su Conjunto". "Pepe Maldonado y su Conjunto" became well known for Pepe's distinctive style and energetic performances. He quickly became a favorite in the Conjunto scene. During this time his brother Margil Mandonado joined the band. Soon the band began having big hits like “Troquero” and “Amorcito Consentido”, but one of the biggest hits was none other than “Al Pie De Un Crucifijo” in which his three year old son, Joe Maldonado Jr. was featured on the album cover. His music resonated with fans across Texas and beyond, his many LP and CD music recordings earned him a reputation as one of the genre’s most influential figures in conjunto music.

He created the "La Lomita Park" in McAllen, Texas as a venue for conjunto music that became a hub for Conjunto musicians and fans for over two decades. La Lomita Park has hosted countless performances, bringing together some of the biggest names in the genre and providing a platform for many up-and-coming artists. "Pepe" Maldonado's dedication to preserve and promote Conjunto music was instrumental in keeping the tradition alive and thriving to this day. La Lomita Park has been featured in an episode of the travel show “The Texas Bucket List” and recently in an article of "Texas Highways".El Gran "Pepe" Maldonado was well known for his heartfelt invites and welcomings to his performances, La Lomita Park and gatherings. He would always express his excitement by commenting, "Se va poner hasta el queque". His presence shall be greatly missed, although his spirit will live on always in his music and La lomita Park.

Pepe is survived by his immediate family, his wife Irma Martinez Maldonado; his four children, Maria Estella (Javier) Gutierrez, Diana Palacios, Joe (Sallie) Maldonado, Rosalinda Maldonado (Ray Rivera); seven grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren; his siblings, Ernestina Garcia, Emma Ruiz, Diamantina Patlan, Rosa Ybarra, Oralia Karam, Melba Pineda, and Santana Maldonado Jr.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary, Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Legacy Chapels 4610 South Jackson Road in Edinburg. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Interment will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to La Lomita Park in McAllen. 

Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.