Roland Albert Candelaria

Dad was dedicated to being a patient, supportive, and loving father. He also gifted us, and all that knew him, with a sense of humor like no other. Our fondest memories are simple days on the couch cracking up at his running commentary. Nothing filled him with more pride than when we began to jump into the mix with him. Humor was how we communicated. No matter the situation, he would always find the angle for a quick joke. This quality has been the greatest gift, especially during this time.

Dad spent over 40 years working at the United States Postal Service where he carried mail and befriended many along his various routes. While not his passion, he did this to ensure stability and provide for his daughters. He did, however, manage to make many good friends at the post office and, later in his career, he became involved with his local union which gave him a new sense of responsibility in his job. Also, this was another way to stick it to the man, which he enjoyed beyond measure.

Dad’s love of music greatly defined who he was. He collected albums since the time he was a child, often describing to those around him in great detail the characteristics of an artist’s sound. Despite severe dyslexia, he taught himself guitar and became inseparable from whichever one was his latest love. He could sit and jam for hours, sometimes to others chagrin - especially when you just wanted to watch Saved by the Bell in peace for once. In dad’s recent years, he taught himself how to modify and then build guitars. His love for music was something he shared with his children and everyone around him, leaving a mark on us that will never fade.

Dad also had a great love of cooking, obtaining recipes from various chefs and modifying them for his and his family’s tastes. He was interested in good cookware and the latest kitchen gadgets and would send them to us via Amazon in the form of unexpected gifts.

He is survived by his father, Albert, his two sisters, Karen and Patsy, his two daughters, Jessica and Kimberly, as well as his niece, nephew, and grandchildren. He also leaves behind many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

We will miss our Dad with every new song he would have shared, dish he would have made better, a joke that would make him laugh, and in so many other small moments. We find comfort in knowing that Dad's legacy lives on through the the music he loved, the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories which we will cherish forever.