Samuel A. "Tony" Candelaria

CANDELARIA, SAMUEL A. "TONY" Samuel A. "Tony" Candelaria, lovingly known as "Pops", 81, a lifelong resident of New Mexico, went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 19, 2014. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Brenda Candelaria; children, Neil Candelaria and his wife, Alice, Karen Candelaria, Kevin Candelaria, and Kelle Stults and her husband, Rick; grandchildren, Alicia Candelaria and husband, Zach Peterson, Leesha Candelaria, Kyle Dietz, Randon Dietz, Jared Stults, and Zane Stults; great-granddaughter, Chanel Fulton; six sisters and one brother. Pops was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Sarah Rogers and his grandson, Casey Candelaria. Mr. Candelaria served in the USAF during the Korean War. He was a mechanic and supervisor for Price's Valley Gold Diaries for many years. Tony was a vehicle maintenance mechanic for 7 Up for 3 years. Upon retirement, he took on the responsibility of school crossing guard, which was his favorite occupation of all. Pops loved the laughter of children. Cremation has taken place and Pop's life will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 23 at 10:00 am at FRENCH - Lomas. Reception will follow. Should friends desire, contributions may be made to UNMH Children's Hospital, 700 Lomas Blvd. NE, Two Woodward Center, Suite 100, Albuquerque, NM 87102.