Gilbert Candelaria

Gilbert E. Candelaria of Cordova, New Mexico, went to be with the Lord on the morning of July 15, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully in his home with his wife of 25 years, Diana L. Candelaria, by his side. Gilbert was born on February 15, 1958, in El Paso, Texas, to Eubedio and Anna Candelaria. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Brenda Candelaria, as well as his father-in law Jose Lopez, mother-in-law Flora Lopez and brother-in-law Joseph Lopez. 

Gilbert is survived by his wife and stepsons, Danny Jr. and Dominic Martinez, whom he loved like they were his own. Danny Jr. and his wife, Candice, have two children, Miles and Brooke, and Dominic and his wife, Maggie, have one daughter, Stevie. Gilbert’s grandchildren were the joy of his life. In addition, Gilbert is survived by many other loved ones: Jerry, Veronica, Alisha, and Megan Martinez; Nikki who was like a daughter, Ammera, and Devani Pacheco; Patricia Varady; Walter and Cindy Candelaria; Michael and Alberta Candelaria; Marilyn Candelaria; Perry Candelaria; Terry Candelaria; Gilbert Candelaria Jr.; Eric Candelaria; and Brenda Lovato. Gilbert is survived by his special cousins, Jeff and Doris Bryant, who always supported Diana and Gilbert as he fought cancer. He is also survived by Randy Vigil, Victor Vasquez, Matthew Martinez, Eric Lopez, and Clemente Rodriguez, his friends whom he considered to be his brothers. Gilbert was a loving husband and loyal friend. He loved and spoiled his dogs, Mia, Chica ("Monster"), Bonita, and Chuco, and he greatly appreciated his friendships with his mail route customers. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. 

A Memorial Service will be held in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home, in Espanola, NM, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., with public visitation to begin at 5:30 p.m.

The family of Gilbert Candelaria has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory of the Española Valley.  505-747-7477   www.devargasfuneral.com