Jose (Joe) Ines Candelaria, Jr.

Jose (Joe) Ines Candelaria, Jr., 90 years old, has left us to be with our Lord and Savior on Sunday, September 4, 2022. He was born on June 24, 1932 in Denver, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. and Mrs. (Adela) J. I. Candelaria Sr.; sisters, Fidelia Herrera (Ignacio Herrera-husband), Lena DeHerrera (Sus DeHerrera-husband), Esther Gatewood (Clarence Gatewood-husband), Ruth Boleman; and brother, Carlos Candelaria (Irene Candelaria-wife).

He leaves behind the love of his life, Priscilla (Martinez) Candelaria of Albuquerque, NM, who he married in June of 1960 after a five year engagement. He is survived by his two brothers-in-law, Daryl Boleman of Boone, IA and Richard Martinez of Meridian, ID. He also leaves behind his four daughters with their families: Tina Griego and husband, Darren of Albuquerque, NM; Annette Joyner and husband, David of La Luz, NM; Diana Hamby and husband, Dan of Hillsboro, Oregon; and Joanne Lucero and husband, Gary of Tijeras, NM. He has ten grandchildren: Serina Griego of Albuquerque, NM; Jayseph Griego of Albuquerque, NM; Julian Griego of Irvine, CA; Dela Joyner of Red River, NM; Matti Sokoll (Caleb Sokoll-husband) of Albuquerque, NM; Katie Joyner of Radium Springs, NM; and Drew Joyner of Colorado Springs, CO.; Brandon Hamby and Adam Hamby of Hillsboro, OR.; and Gary Lucero Jr. of Tijeras, NM; and two great-grandchildren: Jayseph Griego Jr. and Mila Griego of Albuquerque, NM.

He graduated with honors from Menaul School in 1950 where he was very active in yearbook staff (as an artist), student council, gospel team, choir, boy's quartet, panther staff, honor roll, house council-president, class plays, movie projector club, basketball, and football where he was affectionately known as "Fingers" from his fellow teammates.

He proudly served in the US Navy for four years during the Korean War and was assigned to the USS Yorktown where he spent the majority of his time working as an electronic technician on the ship. He entered the Navy on the "Buddy" system with his faithful companion since the 3rd grade and lived the Navy life with his best friend, Frank Salazar Jr. They were lifelong best friends for the rest of their days.

When he returned to Albuquerque in 1955, he started dating his devoted love, Priscilla, and began attending UNM where he received his bachelor's degree in education. He continued his education to receive his Master's degree from NM Highlands University.

In 1960, he started his teaching career at Washington Jr. High School teaching woods/metals shop and then moved on to Del Norte High School teaching Industrial Cooperative Training (ICT- the vocational work/study program) in 1971. He helped many students find jobs (to support their families) and in many cases, these careers became an opportunity to start their own companies. He was also the club sponsor for Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA), where he organized and supported many students in the VICA opening and closing ceremony competitions, and all of the vocational trades competitions. He and his students came home from both state and national conferences with many of the top trophies from all over the United States. His passion for teaching continued for a successful total of 34 years.

His father was the pastor at Second Presbyterian Church, where Joe and his five siblings were life-long members. He met and married Priscilla, and together they raised their family of four daughters in the church. He and his blushing bride, Priscilla, were active leaders of the youth group and took them on numerous mission trips to lead worship services, fix/repair churches and provide countless aid to those in need. He always made every experience not just helpful but enjoyable, amusing, and entertaining for everyone involved.

He was the most AMAZING Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Uncle, Christian, and Teacher. Joe had a glowing and infectious smile and was loved by ALL who knew him.

There will be a viewing held at FRENCH-University on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 from 5-7pm.

His Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Second Presbyterian Church, 812 Edith Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM, 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Robert Woodruff presiding. Immediately following the service there will be a reception with food and fellowship. The interment will be held at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM after lunch.