Donald Maestas

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Donald Maestas, a man whose life was a testament to love, faith, and resilience. Don, age 80, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025 after a courageous battle with ALS. He was a proud United States Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran, a retired Teamster, a devoted husband of 56 years, a loving father, and treasured grandfather.

Don was born in Dixon, NM on September 14, 1944 to Elizabeth and James Maestas.

He was preceded in death by both his parents and his older brother, Bobby Maestas.

Don lived a life defined by strength, honor, love and faith. He served his country with distinction as a US Marine (enlisting at 17 years of age to serve his country in war time), embodying the values of service, loyalty, and resilience. His time in uniform left an indelible mark on his life, and he carried that same steadfast spirit into everything he did.

But Don's greatest pride and joy came from his family. He was the devoted husband of Mary Lou, a loving, dedicated and heroic partner whose bond with Don was unbreakable. As a father, he led with strength and a heart full of love. To his grandchildren, he was a hero in every sense-always present, always encouraging, and always full of warmth. Nothing made Don happier than being with his family...celebrating holidays together, traveling around the US and abroad together, visiting his children and grandchildren across the country, taking his grandchildren to the park and donut shop, and simply being surrounded by family at home are just a few of the many special moments of his life.

In his later years, Don faced his most difficult battle-ALS-with the same courage and determination that defined his life. Though the disease took much from him physically, it never touched his spirit. With his devoted wife Mary Lou by his side, he met each day with grace and faith, never letting go of his beautiful smile, his sense of humor, his love for his family, or his will to fight. Even when bearing great physical hardship, Don was excited to attend Mass with his family at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church as much as possible. Always joyful, always smiling.

Though words cannot express how much Don will be missed, he leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and service. He is survived by his beloved wife Mary Lou; his children Anthony (wife Theresa), Celina (husband Dapo) & Gabe (wife Korey); his grandchildren Mason, Reya, Ariana, Cruz, Ilaria, James & Kali; his sister Mary Agnes (husband Rich) and a wide circle of family and friends who will carry his memory with them always.

The family is incredibly grateful to the VA, Synapticure, Don's dedicated caregivers, and family and friends who provided much needed support throughout Don's battle with ALS.

Visitation and Rosary will be held Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at French Funerals and Cremations - University, 1111 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque NM 87102. The Visitation will be 5:00-6:00 pm followed by the Rosary 6:00-7:00 pm.

The Funeral Mass and Burial will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2025. There will be a Viewing at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe (1860 Griegos Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107), followed immediately by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 am.

The family will host a reception in the Parish Hall immediately following Mass.

The Burial will be held (following the reception) at 2:30 pm at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, NM 87501.