Michael Raymond Candelaria entered into rest on April 30, 2024, He will be dearly missed and it is with broken hearts that we hold dearly, the memories of his life. 

Michael was born in La Junta, Colorado, November 6, 1957 to Frank Jr. and Irene (Encinias) Candelaria. He graduated from Las Animas High School in 1976. Within a few years after high school, Michael began his career in auto sales. He lived and worked, mostly in Colorado and also in Arizona, Nevada, and Missouri.  Michael is very well known in this industry as “The Candyman” or just Candy. He worked for various dealerships selling, managing, and buying vehicles. Throughout his life, Michael made many friends that became family to him.  He was loved wherever he went and was very well known and highly respected in the industry. 

Michael is preceded in death by his mother and father, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. 

He is survived by one remaining Aunt, Lucilla Tenorio along with four siblings, Joe (Julie) Candelaria Lakewood CO, Frank (Vickie) Candelaria Cedaredge, CO, Riene Candelaria Ft. Meyers, FL and Martha Candelaria Thornton, CO. He is also survived by 7 nieces and nephews; Kenneth Garner, Matthew McNerny, Grant and Bryan Candelaria, Gabriel and Daniel Martinez, Courtney Degraff and Stephanie (DeGraff) Kane and Shelby Candelaria along with 12 great-nieces/nephews.

He is also survived by Kim, Shelby and Jared Norris, who he also considered his close family.

Once cremation is completed there will be a Celebration of Life held in Thornton Colorado, details will be added to this obituary and announced on social media.