Leandro Candelaria,

Leandro Candelaria Jr. (Lee), age 80, went to be with our Lord on January 11, 2019 at San Juan Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his family. He was born on April 13, 1938 in San Mateo, NM to Leandro Candelaria Sr. and Feliz Sandoval Candelaria. Lee graduated Gallup High School in 1956 while serving two years in the National Guard. He joined the United Stated Air Force and served until 1961.  He moved to Farmington in 1970 and worked for Beneficial Finance and in 1972 began his tenure at San Juan Regional Medical Center where he retired as Director of Plant Operations. His interests included gardening, taking care of his yard, dancing, and raising animals in his younger days.  Lee loved his family; he was dearly loved and will be truly missed by his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leandro Candelaria Sr., and Feliz Sandoval Candelaria, Sons – Donald Alee Candelaria, Ronald Allen Candelaria, Theodore (Teddy) Serrano, Gilbert (Gilly) Serrano, Grandson – Manual Reyes Gutierrez III, 2 brothers and 4 sisters.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Julia Candelaria of Blanco, Daughters – Tracy Candelaria Gutierrez, Lori Candelaria Moya (Tony), Georgia Serrano, Debbie Serrano Walstedter (Joel), Sons – Leandro Joseph Candelaria, Alee Candelaria (Brandy), Bobby Candelaria, and Mike Archibeque, 23 Grandchildren, 30 Great Grandchildren.