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Candelaria -- John (Johnny) Candelaria, age 79, beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle was called home to be with the Lord, Saturday, September 28, 2002. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Candelaria; daughter and son-in-law, Christine and Tom Isselhard of Albuquerque; beloved grandchildren, Derek and Leslie Isselhard of Albuquerque; sister, Ella Montoya of Victorville, CA; brothers, Tom Candelaria and wife, Rose of Fresno, CA, Ramon Candelaria of Albuquerque, Joseph A. Candelaria of Fresno, CA, James Candelaria and wife, Irma of Houston, TX and Eloy Candelaria and wife, Terri of Albuquerque; and sister-in-law, Feliciana Candelaria of Albuquerque and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. His parents Joe and Rose Candelaria, son, John Candelaria Jr., brothers, Jerry and Alberto and sister, Sefora, preceded him in death. John was born on May 4, 1923 to a family with long heritage in Albuquerque. He and his family are heirs of the La Merced De Atrisco established in the 1700's. John entered the U.S. Navy on June 5, 1942. He and Mary were married on April 9, 1944 in Los Angeles, California. Upon John's departure from the Navy he and Mary came to Albuquerque to establish their home and John began his first career as a barber. He later opened two barber shops and became a known member of the North Valley community. John and Mary, also, bought and operated a Dairy Queen for many years. After leaving a career in barbering he entered the Bernalillo Sheriff's Department and began a second career in law enforcement. This was his place of retirement from traditional employment. Upon his retirement, John and his wife, Mary began their more active career in the Lord's work. They began working with various outreach groups in Albuquerque and then began their missionary work in Mexico. They were able to make numerous visits to Mexico to witness and spread the Lord's word. John will be remembered as one who entered peoples lives and brought laughter, joy of spirit and the Lord's generosity. He became a dear and special friend to the people who entered his life through family, work, ministry and community. He emulated the joys of life and the spirit of giving. He was the caretaker of his children and grandchildren--they loved and admired him dearly. He was a great storyteller, jokester and tease. John's missionary work in Mexico was dear to his heart. His love was to minister through his guitar music. John's family is comforted in the knowledge that he is with the Lord. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, October 2, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. at Glorybound Ministries, 11913 Menaul Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Internment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations or memorials to his memory be made to the John Candelaria Mission Fund at Well's Fargo Bank. The fund will be used to continue John's dream, to provide a school for the orphanage in Saltillo, Mexico. Arrangements by Salazar and Sons Mortuary
        Published on: Wed October 02, 2002