Joseph James Candelaria

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. It was a small price to pay for such a warm welcome. He was a pop culture expert before it became cool. He loved movies. He would read for hours on all subjects. He was an expert on comic books, graphic novels and collectibles. He enjoyed physical labor, especially outdoors. Many of us benefitted from his time spent splitting wood, his handyman services, and his auto repairs.

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.

Joseph's Life Celebration will begin with a Visitation on Monday, August 30, 2021 at 8:30 am at San Ignacio Catholic Church located at 1300 Walter St. NE, 87102. Rosary will be recited at 9:00 am. Funeral Mass will begin at 9:30 am. Joseph will be laid to rest at 11:00am at Mount Calvary Cemetery located at 1900 Edith Blvd NE, 87102. Reception will follow the burial at the Moose Lodge #1517 located at 2121 Edith Blvd. NE, 87102.

Due to the Governor's COVID mandate the church requests that all attendees wear masks.

Pallbearers will be Stephen Gonzales, Richard Gonzales, Gene Sanchez, David Candelaria, Frank Hinojos, and Benjamin Clemens.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Mike Clemens, Jay Forsythe, Alexander Forsythe, Gabriel Forsythe, and Jake Oviedo.