Rev. Nelson Maldonado, 60, arrived in Heaven on Monday, October 28, 2019 after a brief illness. Born on September 2, 1959 in New York City, he was the son of Jose Rafael Maldonado Aulet and Pura Marrero Rivera de Maldonado residents of Rome. Nelson attended and graduated from the John F. Kennedy High School in Riverdale, NY. He completed his ministerial training in Biblical Studies at the Pinecrest(now Bethany) Bible Training Center in Salisbury Center, NY (now in Virginia). He worked for C. A. Kaplan Real Estate for several years, diligently working and sharing his upbeat spirit with all whom he met. His passion was Christian Evangelism and sharing the good news of God’s transforming love and power. He was ordained to ministry in Rome, NY at the Rome Christian Center by Rev. Ned Paquette. Nelson frequently shared his message of God’s transforming power at the Rome Rescue Mission, local churches as well as in Evangelism preaching crusades around the country. Several years ago, he donated an RV to the Rome Rescue Mission for purposes of bringing social services to those in need in communities and neighborhoods whose residents lacked the transportation access to the Rome Rescue Mission. His other passions included gardening, cooking and fishing. He is survived by his parents, brother, Dr. Joseph R. Maldonado, Jr., a cousin who was more of a brother, Dario A. Otero and his wife Norma, along with aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends who loved him. The family wishes to thank Drs Goel and Bhatt for their recent care, the Rome Memorial Hospital ER staff, as well as the stellar staff at the 6I MICU at Upstate University Hospital. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Rome Rescue Mission or Bethany Bible Training Center. Family and friends are invited to call at Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc. 418 N. George St., Rome, tonight from 7-9:00 p.m. and Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m. A celebration of Nelson’s life will be held on Thursday at the funeral home following calling hours at 7:30 p.m. Interment will take place on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Rome Cemetery.