- Date Of Birth: November 26, 1966
- Date Of Death: August 21, 2021
- State: New Mexico
Joseph James Candelaria passed away suddenly on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at the age of 54.
He is preceded in death by his father Joe Candelaria; grandparents: Macario and Agueda Candelaria, Alberto and Maria Lucero; uncles: Jerry Candelaria, Frank Vigil, Alberto Lucero, and Antonio Lucero.
Joseph is survived by his wife Grace Sanchez; mother Rafaelita Candelaria; sons: Stephen Gonzales and wife Yolanda, Richard Gonzales; grandchildren: Alicia Gonzales, Alexa Gonzales, Krystell Gonzales; sisters: Joann Clemens, Adriana Candelaria; brothers-in-law: Mike, Jay; nieces: Kylie, Macie, Adriana S.; nephews: Benjamin, Alexander, Gabriel, E.J.; godson Jake; great-niece Evangeline; also countless tiás, tiós, primas, and primos who all loved him dearly.
He was born on November 26, 1966 in Albuquerque. He grew up in Martinez Town and San Antonito. He graduated from Albuquerque High School. He worked for the City of Albuquerque for many years.
Whenever he entered a room he would startle us with his booming voice, yelling the unique names he had for each of us.
Joseph was PoPo to Alicia and Alexa. They were the lights of his life. His time raising them and being with them was priceless to him. He spoiled his nieces and nephews. He had an uncanny way of always picking the toy they each loved best. Many a child swung and missed when the piñata man came to their birthday party.
The love of his life was Grace. He called her “Babe” so much we thought that was her name. On the day of his death he woke up early to walk his Babe to her car. Babe was the last word he spoke. He loved all of his family members and friends unconditionally. We will all miss him dearly.
Joseph’s passing is suffered only by those of us left here. We are comforted by the faith we have in the afterlife and the knowledge we will see (and hear!) him again.
