Joe Candelaria

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’Caña. 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.