1938
2017
Joe R. Candelaria, a 48 year resident of Durango, peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on the evening of May 11, 2017 at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango, CO, he was 78.
Joe was known to most people as "Rudy." Rudy was born on November 19, 1938 in Rosa, NM. 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, CO. Here he found and married the love of his life, Susie O'Cana. They were happily married until the day she passed. Rudy worked at the local sawmill in Pagosa Springs. 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, 2017, 3:30pm-6:30pm Viewing at Hood Mortuary, 1261 E. 3rd Ave., Durango; Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 7:00pm Rosary at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 254 E 5th Ave., Durango AND Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 10:00am Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, interment will follow Mass at Rosa cemetery in Arboles, CO. Family and friends are invited to join us for food and celebration in remembrance of Rudy's life at the St. Peter St. Rosa Catholic Church in Arboles, CO following the interment.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.
3 Entries
The last time I saw Rudy was 1979. He was leading a pack string up the Vallecito Trail. I had worked with the Forest Service there for some of the same years Rudy was there.
He always told it me straight which I appreciated. I always thought of him as being much younger than I, but we were the same age.
Rest in Peace
Stan
Stan Carpenter
September 14, 2017
For Rudy's Children & Family, Levi, Donald, Steve:
At this difficult time in your life, we pray that God will grant you the serenity and peace that you need to get through this. Stay strong and know that you are remembered in our thoughts and prayers. May the peace of the Lord be with you.
Robert & Peggy Marquez-Mena
May 21, 2017
My heart goes out to all the family. In our thoughts and prayers.... Ron & Connie Vigil
May 17, 2017
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