Gabriel Candelaria

On March 6^th, 2023, Gabriel Candelaria of Albuquerque, NM peacefully earned his angel wings surrounded by his loving family.  Gabriel was born on February 6, 1943, to Frank and Crusita Candelaria. He was one of nine children.

Growing up for Gabriel was full of adventures, to say the least, according to his siblings.  They say as a child he had a lot of personality, was strong and loved to make people laugh.  Anyone that was around him always walked away with a nickname.  He grew up in the San Jose neighborhood and graduated from Albuquerque High School.  He loved boxing and competed in the Golden Gloves.  At a young age he married his high school sweetheart Peggy.  They had three children, later had ten grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.  After high school and getting married Gabriel served in United States Navy where he became a Seabee. He took honor in rebuilding communities abroad.  He served his time during the Vietnam War.  Gabriel, like so many, left a big part of himself in Vietnam, making the supreme sacrifice. After serving his time in the USN, Gabriel moved his family back to Albuquerque, NM, where he resided for the remainder of his life. Gabriel had a career as an electrician.  He loved his family and music.  He would love to sing to anyone that would listen.

Gabriel is proceeded in death by his son Robert G. Candelaria. Gabriel is survived by Robert’s wife, April, their children: Robert Candelaria Jr., and his children, Jasmine, Jade and Jewel; Anthony Candelaria and his wife Lisa; Alexandra Flores, her husband Mario and their children, Jax, Zayden and Axel. Gabriel’s son, Vincent A. Candelaria and his wife Dawn, their children: Sarah Trujillo, her husband David, and their children, Donivin, Christian, and Noah; Megan Montanes, her husband Ryan, and their children, Lilyanna and Hazel; Cosmo Candelaria, his wife Teresa, and their children, Sabastian and Oliver. Gabriel’s daughter, Antoinette I. Candelaria and her children: Dominique Vasquez, her husband Andrew, and their children Mila and Aria; Mikayla Candelaria and her daughter Kahloni; and Marisa and Elijah Candelaria. Gabriel is also survived by his brother, Danny Candelaria and his sisters, Gloria Johansen, Julia Santillanes, Pauline and Suzie Candelaria, in addition to many more extended family.

Gabriel is proceeded in death by his parents, Frank and Crusita Candelaria, his brothers Jack, Felix and Triny Candelaria, his sister-in-law Kathy Ortiz, his son Robert G. Candelaria and his great-grandson Christian Candelaria.

Pallbearers will be Robert Candelaria Jr., Anthony Candelaria, Cosmo Candelaria, Elijah Candelaria, Joey Candelaria, and Andrew Vasquez.

March 30, 2023

Viewing 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

Rosary 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Daniels’s Funeral Home

3113 Carlisle Blvd NE

Albuquerque, NM 87110

March 31, 2023

Funeral Services 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

San Jose Parish

2401 Broadway Blvd SE

Albuquerque, NM 87102

Burial Services 1:30 p.m.

Santa Fe National Cemetery

501 N Guadalupe St

Santa Fe, NM 87501

Reception 4:30 p.m.

Vince and Dawn Candelaria’s Home

8615 Glenridge Pl NW

Albuquerque, NM 87114