Selmo was a native Houstonian, the eighth child of Biagio and Eva Candelari.
After graduating from Jefferson Davis High School, Selmo served in the Army Air Forces
at Ellington Field, from 1942 to 1946. While there, he met his beautiful wife, Louise, at a
USO dance. He competed in the Golden Gloves lightweight boxing championship when
stationed at Chanute Field. After the war, he attended commercial art school, where he
developed his remarkable artistic talent. Most of Selmo’s career, however, was spent at
Fish Engineering, where he worked as a structural draftsman.
A longtime member of the Sacred Heart Society of Little York, he also loved sports of all
kinds. Like his twin brother, Elmo, he played softball, golf, and even resumed playing
billiards, bocce, and bowling in his nineties. The father of five will be remembered for his
love and acceptance of others, his exacting football pots, and his willingness to lend a
hand.
Selmo was a devoted husband to his wife of 71 years, Louise. She, and son, Vincent,
preceeded him in death. He is survived by sister, Gloria DeJohn, of Houston; daughters:
Sandra Randel, of Katy, TX; Patti Candelari (husband, Jerry Huncosky) of Claryville, NY;
Denise Schaffer (husband, Jeff), of Plano, TX; and son, Stephen (wife, Patricia Velazquez)
of Houston, TX; and his beloved grandchildren: Melissa Warrenburg, Jared and Lauren
Schaffer and Alexandra Huncosky. Special thanks to Sandra for the many years of
caregiving in her home.
A Rosary, led by the Sacred Heart Society, will be held Thursday, April 25, 2019, at
10:00am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 11am, at Epiphany of the Lord
Catholic Community Chapel, 1530 Norwalk Drive, in Katy. A reception will follow at St.
Peter’s United Methodist Church’s Lot Hall, 20775 Kingsland Boulevard, Katy.
For those wishing to honor Selmo’s memory by donation, memorials can be made to the
Sacred Heart Society of Little York, P.O. Box 10065, Houston, TX 77206.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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