Ray Robert Candelaria

Ray Robert Candelaria was born September 14,1965 in Miami, Arizona and passed away unexpectedly on August 29, 2026 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was 60 years old, just shy of his 61st birthday.

 Robert was a graduate of Santa Fe High School. He was a mason by trade, learning from his brother Chris, who was a master mason. 

Robert's family and friends could always depend on him with helping them with any job they needed done. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, fishing, and hunting. He liked watching his western movies and all sports, especially watching his Denver Broncos. Robert was a big-hearted, hard-working, and humble man. He never asked for much and had very little. Yet, he was always happy and grateful for the smallest of things. He never complained about life…except for his aches and pains. We knew you were hurting and God relieved you from your suffering. We all wish we had more time to talk and spend together. You were our last living brother and you will always be loved and missed by your sisters, family, and friends…more than you will ever know. We know that you are with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Heartbroken, loving, and missing you always. 

Robert is preceded in death by his father Reyes Nieto Candelaria; his mother Sylvia Montez Candelaria; his brothers Alex Candelaria and Chris Candelaria; his nephew Milo Candelaria; and most recently, his sister Mary Candelaria. He is survived by his sisters Aurelia Utley; Veronica Chavez (Max); Theresa Varela; Elizabeth Belcher (Curtis); goddaughters Vitalia Candelaria and Sylvia Rose Varela; partner Marie Ortiz; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

 Please join us as we celebrate Robert's life on September 8, 2026 at St. Anne's Catholic Church: Rosary at 9:00 am Mass at 10:00 am Burial at San Pedro Cemetery (near Golden)