Candelario “Candyman” Padilla

Candelario “Candyman” Padilla

1940-2022

Mr. Candelario “Candyman” Padilla, age 82, a resident of Adelino, passed away peacefully with family at his side on Thursday, Dec. 8, The Feast of Immaculate Conception.

Services will take place at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church beginning with a viewing at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 22, followed by a Rosary at 11:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12 p.m., and interment will follow at Tomé Catholic Cemetery.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Antonio Padilla and Pablita Padilla (Griego); son, Joseph Padilla; Celia Sanchez; brothers, Tony and Abenicio Padilla; and nephews, Joseph Padilla and James and Virgil Sanchez.

Candelario is survived by his wife of 59 years, Eloisa Padilla; three children, Randy Padilla (Janet), Lisa Garcia (Nathan) and Karen Martin (Shannon); grandchildren, Marcus Padilla (Jacque), Veronica Maldonado (Eric), Amber Garcia, Jonathan Garcia and Dakota Martin; great-grandchildren, Marcus Gum-Padilla, Ella Garcia, Mason Maldonado and Miriam Padilla; and his little sister, Kate Jaramillo.

Family and friends will always remember “Candyman” or uncle Candé for his gentle heart, genuine kindness and love, which he shared with everyone he touched. He will also be remembered for his contagious laugh that echoed and brought smiles to all who heard.

Candelario was a humble man, and prided himself on working hard and always choosing right over wrong. He was a devoted uncle, who loved and cared for all his nieces and nephews as if they were his own children. Candelario was, in turn, rewarded by countless visits by his nieces and nephews, which he greatly appreciated and enjoyed.

His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who knew and loved him as their “Tata.” Candelario’s hugs and kisses will be greatly missed, however, the love he leaves will live in each of them forever.

He had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother; he prayed the Rosary daily and always carried a rosary in his pocket. This strong devotion rewarded Candelario with a blessed life, which he shared with all who knew him.

May he rest in peace and live in our hearts and souls until we meet again.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the Goodlife Assisted Living staff in Los Lunas and Del La Luz Hospice for the care and compassion that was given during Candelario’s brief stay. Thank you so much, may God bless you all.

Pallbearers will be Marcus Padilla, Jonathan Garcia, Anthony Jaramillo, Adrian Sanchez, Donald Ruiz and Leroy Torrez. Honorary pallbearers will be Dakota Martin, Louie Espinoza, Henry Vigil, Teles Rael, Bonefacio Griego, Felix Jaramillo, Euiselo “Bull” Padilla, and Bibo, his cat.

Please sign Candelario’s online tribute at romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.