Efrem Maldonad, of Duluth, GA, passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the age of 90.

He was born in Santander de Quilichao, Colombia, on September 26, 1935, to Leonardo Maldonado and Maura Elisa Delgado.

At 13, he was driven to learn a trade skill and sought help from an uncle who managed a local Sugar Mill. There he learned the intricacies of welding and metalwork, and ultimately became a machinist by trade.

As a respectable 22-year-old, he married Leonor Cubillos and had two children, Hebert and Gloria.

His ambition for better job opportunities motivated his move to the United States in 1968. He established himself in New Jersey, where he machined precision parts for the government, and also worked at 3M. Later, he remarried Fanny Montero and had two children, Efren and Esperanza.

In 1995, he moved to Georgia for warmer weather and peacefully lived here until his last days.

He is survived by his four children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, who loved him very much.

He’ll be dearly missed and remembered as a strong yet gentle-hearted man who selflessly helped and cared for others.

Georgia Cremation in Duluth is assisting the family with arrangements.