Dr. Candelaria was born July 6, 1933 in El Paso, Tx., to Esther and Alejandro Candelaria. He graduated from Ysleta High School in 1951 and then served his country proudly in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955. After his service, he attended the University of Texas at El Paso and eventually graduated with his bachelor’s from New Mexico State University in 1959. Upon graduation, he taught for one year in the Tornillo Independent School District. He then attended and graduated from Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. During his years as a physician, Dr. Candelaria co-owned Tigua General Hospital and Tigua Outpatient Clinic, and one of his proudest achievements was opening, owning, and operating Candelaria Medical Center.
Throughout his career, Dr. Candelaria continued to give back and serve the El Paso community. He served as a member of the La Fe Clinic Advisory Committee and the El Paso Airport Board and was Chairman of the Board of Mission Savings and Loan. Dr. Candelaria served the El Paso community with his work at Del Sol Medical Center, Southwestern General Hospital, Providence Memorial Hospital, and Physician’s Hospital as well as his time as Director, President of the Board and Stock Owner of Channel 26—KINT
He held memberships with the El Paso County Medical Society, Texas Medical Association, American Osteopathic Association, American Medical Association, and Texas Osteopathic Medical Association.
When he wasn’t wearing a tie at the Clinic or scrubs at the hospital, you could find him in his garage or tool room, welding, practicing taxidermy, reloading his own ammunition, or preparing for his next fishing trip or hunting expedition. He healed hundreds and left an impression on thousands.
He was kind, caring, and compassionate and will be missed by his Family and Friends and the extended El Paso community.
Dr. Candelaria was survived by his wife Elsa, his children, David Candelaria (Shelley), Dianna Candelaria, Darlene Candelaria, and Dr. Arthur A. Aguirre; five grandchildren, Chelsea, Chad, Cameron, Alex, and Zena; his brothers Ruben and Robert; his sisters Sophia Ordoñez (Vicente) and Veronica Arellano (John); brother-in-law, Rafael Aguirre; sister-in-law, Terry Quiñonez (Jaime); and a number of nieces, nephews, and other family members who will miss him dearly.
Special thanks to Ruben Sr., Tillie, Becky, Vero, Mina, Bilha, Elvira and Mike.
Honored Ex Ysleta High School 2012.
Visitation will be held Monday, June 18, 2018 from 5-9pm with a Rosary reciting at 6pm at Martin Funeral Home East 1460 George Dieter Dr. Mass will be held Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at 9:30am at St. Raphael Parish, 2301 Zanzibar. Inurnment will follow at Evergreen East, 12400 Montana Ave. Services are entrusted to Martin Funeral Home East. Please visit our website www.funerariasdelangel.com/martin.east (915) 855-8881
