Joe R. Candelaria

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Joe R. Candelaria, a 48-year resident of Durango, peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on the evening of May 11 at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango, Colo.

Joe was known to most people as “Rudy.” Rudy was 78 years old and was born on Nov. 19, 1938, in Rosa, N.M. He studied at Fort Lewis College and then proudly served as a Marine on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. After serving our country, he flew across the ocean to find himself back in the beautiful mountains of Pagosa Springs, Colo. Here he found and married the love of his life, Susie O’Caña. They were happily married until the day she passed. Rudy worked in Pagosa Springs at the local sawmill. Later, he joined the job corps and taught carpentry. Shortly after, he joined the Forest Service. He retired from managing the San Juan National Forest and always shared stories of his mountain adventures and his love for the outdoors and where he lived.

Rudy is survived by his children: Thomas (Marcelino), Paul (Mike), Monica and Rudolph (Mathew) Candelaria; along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Levi Griego and Donald and Steve Candelaria.

Rudy was preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Susie Candelaria, his son, Mark Candelaria, and siblings Demis, Joe, Charlie and Lala.

Services for Joe “Rudy” Candelaria will be as follows:

Thursday, May 18, 3:30-6:30 p.m. — Viewing at Hood Mortuary in Durango.

Thursday, May 18, 7 p.m. — Rosary at Sacred Heart Church in Durango.

Saturday, May 20, 10 a.m. — Mass at Sacred Heart Church.

Interment will follow Mass at Rosa cemetery in Arboles, Colo.

Family and friends are invited to join us for food and celebration in remembrance of Rudy’s life at the local church in Arboles following the burial.