Candelario Lim Bello

On April 24, 2023, Candelario Lim Bello, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away at the age of 88 years young. Candelario was born in San Esteban, Ilocos Sur, Philippines in 1935. He attended St Joseph’s Institute for grade school and earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics at the University of the East in the Philippines. He joined the United States Navy in 1960. He married his wife Jessica October 15, 1966 and they eventually settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Candelario and Jessica became active long-term parishioners at the Church of the Ascension Roman Catholic Church. He was an active member and officer of the United Ilocano Association of Tidewater, the Filipino American Veterans of Hampton Roads, and the Pangasinan Association of Virginia. A current member of Our Lady of Namacpacan Association in America, and the Samahang Tagalog.

He retired from the Navy after 20 years and followed his true passion of the culinary arts and opened Court of Mandarin Restaurant, a local staple of Filipino, Chinese and American cuisine for over 25 years. He also catered countless private and community events over three decades.

Candelario’s love for gardening was known by all. He frequently grew kangkong, ampalaya, kamote tops and eggplants. He was also a consummate handyman who could build or repair almost anything by hand.

Candelario was known to be hard-working, kind, helpful, thoughtful and generous. His knowledge has passed through his children and grandchildren and sparks fond memories at family get-togethers.

Candelario is survived by his wife of over 56 years Jessica Dario Bello, sons Broderick Bello (wife Lan Bello), Bradford Bello (wife Jovanna Bello), Brian Bello (wife Grace Ahn), daughter Brandi Bello Ngo (husband Danny Ngo), sisters Lourdes Chua and Luisita Viloria, brothers Rosito Bello and Antonio Bello, nine wonderful grandchildren, Brendan, Benjamin, Blaise, Lindsay, Alexander, Lily, Bruce, Jacob and Harper, and many devoted nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Pedro Lim, his mother Maxima Bello, sister Luz Rapanut and brother Jose Bello.

Wake services will be at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, 4889 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia on Monday, May 1st, at 5 pm. A livestream of the wake will be available to watch on the funeral home's Facebook page: Smith & Williams Funeral Home/Kempsville.

Funeral services will be at the Church of the Ascension,

4853 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia on Tuesday, May 2nd, at 12 pm.

Novena prayers have begun nightly at 7 pm virtually.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Philippine Cultural Center of Virginia (philippineculturalcenter.org/giving) or the Church of the Ascension (www.ascensionvb.org/giving).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com for the Bello family.