Rudy Candelaria, a Pagosa Springs native, was born on June 28, 1963, in Durango, to Josie Rivas and Bernie Candelaria. He went home to be with his beloved family and friends that preceded him in death on Oct. 11, surrounded by his wife and family. He was 54 years old.
Rudy has a huge family and is survived by his wife of 22 years, Luz Candelaria, and mother Josie Rivas, both of Pagosa Springs; stepchildren Jimmy and Betina Sanchez; Ivy and Pete De La Rosa, both of Yuma, Ariz.; and Adrian Sanchez, of Pagosa Springs; siblings Louie and Christine Rivas, Ernie Rivas and Ruby Archuleta, Daniel and Antoinette Rivas, Thelma and Don Valdez, Patricia Candelaria and Genevieve Rivas; as well as grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death his father, Bernie Candelaria.
Rudy was born and raised in Pagosa Springs, where he spent his time with family and friends, He always loved helping out his fellow friends and family with whatever came up. Pagosa is where he met his “Babe,” Luz, the love of his life, at a small town party and hadn’t been separated since. In those 22 years together, they raised kids, grandkids and had a very happy life. Together, they could be seen dancing, watching their Bronco games and hanging out with their friends (The Amigos). Rudy loved being the big brother and his heart was full when hanging out with them, he will be always remembered for his caring ways and always having a big smile on his face, watching the Bronco games and howling at the moon.
Cremation has taken place and services will be at Pope John Paul II Catholic Church on Friday, Oct. 20, at 9:40 a.m. with Celebration of life to follow at Parish Hall. People are welcome to wear their Bronco attire in honor of Rudy.
