Sergeant Major Candelario was my sergeant major at MACS 4 on Okinawa from 1985 to 1986.  I learned more about Marine Corps customs and courtesies from this man than anyone else.  If you look up Esprit de Corps in any book, you might see a picture of him.  What stands out most for me is the care he exhibited for the troops and the STRONG desire to keep us on "the guided path".  OOH RAH! Rest well Sergeant Major.  You were the only enlisted man I called Sir.  You took a PFC under your wing for a time and kept me straight.  I will NEVER forget you.  SEMPER FI!  

Clarence Bowles
Former Marine Corporal

Was attempting to link-up with SgtMaj Candelario. Wanted  to “break bread” with an exemplary Marine. Was deeply saddened to learn that he had passed away. Prayer has been offered. 

Aug ‘74, then SSgt Candelario, trained my platoon at Officer Candidates School, Quantico VA. AJ squared away, SSgt C,  ensured that only those individuals who were physically and mentally ready to lead Marines, were allowed to be commissioned. 

My sincere sympathy to the Candelario family.  May fond memories continually offer comfort. God Bless. Semper Fidelis. 


You were the man that made me at OCS 1975. 

I served with the 1stSgt at Rosevelt Roads.   What a Marine!  Romping, stomping, Alpha Sierra Sierra kicking Marine!  Some men live,  while others make a difference, that was him!  He awarded me my own “ Honorary Set Of Brass Balls” after yelling  at a bunch of soft NCO’s that were whining on a morning run.  He said... “To be a good Marine, you have to have a set of brass balls!”  After the chewing out, he dismissed us NCO’s that were called to the flag pole and I stayed back.  I said, First Sergeant!  What do I do?  He said,  What do you mean?  I repeated back what he had told us all and he looked at me, couldn’t believe I said it, dropped his jaw, shook his head, puffed, then said.......  Cpl Pocorobba!  I give you an “Honorary Set!”  I may have been the only female to be awarded an “Honorary Set Of Brass Balls” by one of the best damn Marines in the Corps!  Semper Fi !!!  To his family, you were all amazing during my tour there, my condolences. I see you grew up and have families and babies!!!!  I am sure that made him sooo happy!!!!!

My condolences to the Candelario family.  SgtMaj was a good man.  I served under him at Quantico from 87-91.  My fondest memories were playing golf with him and his son.  Long live the memories of SgtMaj Candelario.  Semper Fi!

Cpl Rogers

Sergeant Major Candelario was my Sergeant Major in 1/10. He was a Marines Marine!  My deepest sympathy to his family. Rest easy Marine and assume your post in Heaven!

I was deeply saddened when I saw Sgt Maj Candelario's name listed in the Semper Fidelis Taps. However, it also, answered the question I have had in my mind for years which was, what ever happened to him. He was my Drill Instructor for about 5 weeks in 1968 and the last time I saw him was when I boarded the bus to go to Camp Giger for ITR. I have thought about him many times over the years as he left a significant impression on me.  Of the several D.I.'s I had in boot camp he is the one I most respected and admired. He was also, the toughest and most demanding. I now know that he had a very successful career. I would like to have had a career like his and had been the kind of Marine he was. I did however, put in 20 years and retired as a Master Sergeant in 1989. He was a great Marine and an inspiration to me. I have thought about him many times and will continue to remember him until the day I die. I know your loss is great and I feel that loss as well. 
Sincerely,
Byron O. Botdorf
MSGT USMC Retired 

SgtMaj Candelario was an amazing leader.  He was my SgtMaj on two different occasions.  He was always hard as nails but understood and loved his Marines.  His attention to detail was unheard of.  I remember the time I was on duty and the American flag was not quite raised all the way to the top of the pole.  He came in fired up and wanted to know who died to justify flying the flag at half-mast.  Point was well taken and that was how SgtMaj Candelario lived life.  PERFECTION!  He was not supposed to die this young and I will miss him beyond belief.  He made me a better Marine and more importantly a better person.  God Bless you SgtMaj!  

He was my First Sargeant at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads. The GREATEST MARINE In the time i served under him i learned a great deal about being a squared away Marine and much about life Sleep in Heavenly Peace we will mourn you till we join you

I consider it a great blessing and honor to have breakfast with newlyweds Rafael & Laurel Candelario in St. Augustine the morning after their wedding, as I live a short drive from there.  I’ve known Laurel for 26 years and am incredibly grateful to Rafael for making her so happy.  Their love for each other and joy at being married radiated on both their faces.  They truly did complete each other.  My heart aches that their time together on earth was so fleeting.   

I am in utter awe of all Rafael’s accomplishments and his bravery.   He was a true hero, not only to every American, but to Laurel, his entire family, his friends, as well as, anyone blessed to know him.  It was clear to see that he was a man of great integrity, gentle strength, humility and deep, genuine faith. He was inspirational and will continue to inspire others through all the lives he touched. 

I am heartbroken for Laurel, his family, friends and fellow servicemen.  My prayers and deep condolences go out to all of you. 

 I know Jesus’ arms were wide open, finally able to embrace Rafael, free him from suffering and offer him a heavenly celebration in his honor for loving and living an exceptional life.  

On June 7, 1985 we celebrated our wedding at his house, while he was in the field.  Always a true friend.  Will be missed by many. RIP SEMPER FI CANDYMAN.....

I heard of the "Candyman" way before we got an opportunity to met.  I looked up to him when I was on active duty and was fortunate to call him a friend since my retirement in 2001.  When Candyman was having issues reconnecting with the Montford Pointers, he called me.  I told him if he were to connect with the Philadelphia Chapter, I would make sure he was kept informed on what was happening within the Association.  He next wanted do me sure he was in the proper uniform so again I made sure he received his Montford Point cover.  Now he was ready to go to work.  Candyman coordinated and co officiated a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony in Tampa.  Once Candyman got involved in ANY mission, he wanted to see it through.  One of my last communications with him was about 2 weeks before he died, he wanted to make sure his monies for our annual raffle were received.  That is classic Candyman, nearing his own death but checking on others.  Wouldn't it be something if his name was pulled on August30th.  I probably would not be able to hold it together.  Rest easy Sergeant Major, you've taught us all how to stand the watch.  Semper Fidelis!!

It is always tough losing a mentor and a friend.  This man I met him when I was a young boot PFC in the 1990s.  Only to meet him again right soon after I retired here in Florida. He was the person who introduced me to the Marine Corps League.   To any person who knew him, he was the consumate professional all the time. School kept me away from my detachment and the plans and visions he had for me within the detachment, and I didnt get to see him as often as I did when i was newly retired.  I thought his treatment was working but that dreaded C word has taken him from us.  There isnt a person he has come in contact with that he didnt have a positive effect in some form.  I will miss you my brother, mentor and friend.  God has gained a warrior a Sergeant Major to maintain the personnel of the Battalion in the Heavens.  Semper Fi and RIP Sergeant Major Rafael Candelario.

In the absence of my son Schuval Candelario, I send my condolences to the entire family of Sgt. Major Candelario.  May the days ahead get brighter for each and everyone of you.  Remember God will never leave you. 


Katie Candelario-Bly

There are no words to describe what Sgt Maj Candelario meant and means to me. I was blessed to have been a student of his in ROTC and I can definitively say that God put him in my adolescent path at the perfect time. In many ways he was like a 2nd father to me and many others who crossed his path as students. Thanks to him I learned the most valuable lessons on professionalism, honor, respect, discipline, courage, and above all leadership that I will carry forward in my soul for eternity. 

It was in large part due to his influence and example that I was able to find the strength within myself and use his teachings to maximize what God gave me to earn an appointment and eventually graduate from West Point and follow somewhat in his footsteps in serving my Country in combat. I will tell you that there were many times whether in the grey dreary snow-bound cold of West Point, or in the scorching heat of Baghdad where his words and the significance of what he imparted upon me gave me great strength to weather the storms, get up and keep fighting no matter the odds. As he would tell me, "Never quit!"

America has lost one hell of a Marine, and I've lost a mentor and a pillar upon which so much of my life was established. The only solace I have is the knowledge that now Sgt Maj is resting and his influence and example will live on not only in me personally, but countless others. There is no way in this world and in this life that I can adequately express my gratitude for all Sgt Maj has done for me and what he represents, but perhaps one day in God's perfect way I will be able to do so. 

Thank you Sgt Maj for everything you given to our Country, to our community, and to this lowly student of yours. I'd follow you to battle any day!

OBITUARY

Rafael Angel Candelario

December 16, 1945 – June 3, 2019

Demaine Funeral Home

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