Juan José Maldonado, a beloved son, brother, uncle, great uncle, and friend passed away peacefully in the early morning of April 29, 2025, at his home in Upland, California, at the age of 53. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2024. He was then diagnosed with a hereditary arterial aneurysm, which was successfully treated all while undergoing chemotherapy. With support of mom, dad, and siblings and regular visits from his closest friends, he fought valiantly until his last breath. Born October 21, 1971, in Merced, California, Juan was raised in Romeo, Michigan and San Clemente, California. He came of age in San Clemente, attending Shorecliffs Middle School and San Clemente High School, where he thrived on the football team. He led the Tritons as a fullback to numerous wins, including the Los Angeles Times’ report on the Tritons’ 24-0 win against Laguna Beach, with a 96-yard run and 12 carries! Juan developed his love for food and cooking from the best cook in his life, mom. He was by her side in the kitchen from a young age learning to make everything from carnitas to his favorite apple pie. He thrived in the outdoors having developed his love of horticulture from mom and dad. He followed dad into golf maintenance at 15 years of age. Having graduated from San Clemente High School with a near-perfect GPA, he went on to Cal Poly Pomona and earned a Bachelor of Science’s degree in Horticulture/Turf Management cum laude. He went on to lead the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America as President and passed on his love for the profession with mentorship. Juan drove to the golf course daily with his beloved dogs, Flash, Teddy Bear, and Lucky Lady, by his side, keeping him company and bringing him joy chasing away the pesky critters! Juan is survived by loving parents Teresa and José, sisters, Adelaida (David), Maria, and Katherine (Miguel), and brothers Jesse (Veronica) and Victor. He adored his nieces (Kayla, Alyssa, and Meadow) and nephews (Kristopher, Nathan, Connor (Cheri), Kevin (Lydia), Brandon, Mathew, Trey, and Adrian) who loved him dearly. He was fortunate to have spent time with great-nephews, Johnny, Shawn, and Zion. He also met and held great-niece, Amelia (7 months), great-nephew Cohen (3 months), and via FaceTime, Liliana (6 months), who was born on his birthday! Juan will be missed greatly by all who were fortunate to know him. Please join us for mass on May 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 877 N Campus Ave, Upland, California 91786. A reception will follow at Juan’s home, 846 E 7th Street, Upland, California 91786.