The Newspaper of Record since 1878
Frank Mark Candelaria entered into eternal rest on July 6, 2023 at his home with his family by his side. Frank was born July 8, 1956 to Domingo and Thelma Zamora Candelaria in Concho, Arizona. When Frank was 4 years old his family moved to Globe after the sudden death of his father. He went to school and started working as a sous chef at Copper Hills restaurant. At the age of 17 he met Angelina Verdusco, they married, and together they had four children; Andrea, John Paul, Joshua and Reanna. He moved to the Valley and worked in several restaurants until he landed the head chef job at the Arizona Club at the age of 30; that’s where he cooked for Walter Cronkite, Wolfgang Puck, John McCain and many more influential, prominent people.
When his step-dad Quintin Ochoa passed away, Frank moved his family back to Globe and built his house in 1998 on the hill that he grew up on. He then worked as a dedicated heavy equipment operator for BHP, Pinto Valley and Asarco, where he became infamously known as Candyman. In 2001 he met his second wife Katrina; they married in 2004, raising their two boys Izak and Andrew. Frank was a perfectionist in everything he did, whether it was working driving dozers, gardening, remodeling or simply pouring cement at home. He especially enjoyed cooking for family and friends. He loved gardening, collecting rocks, growing his favorite herbs, making beer and wine, and playing video games. He had a deep love for his Harley and taking any rides he could while able. Frank loved fishing and camping anywhere, but Reservation Lake in the White Mountains had his heart, on the “free side” of course. He loved to joke and laugh, and told the best stories of all the shenanigans he was involved in while growing up in a small town. He was the life of the party, making people laugh with his impressive dance moves.
Frank is preceded in death by his father Domingo Candelaria Sr.; his stepfather and mother Quintin and Thelma Ochoa; his brothers Domingo Candelaria Jr. and Avery Ochoa; his sister Priscilla Flores; nephew Ruben Negron; and nieces Yvonne Negron and Deanna Negron Acuna. He is survived by his partner Sheryl Robles; first wife Angelina; daughters Andrea Candelaria and Reanna (“D”) Navarro; his sons John Paul Frank Candelaria, Joshua (Lisa) Candelaria, Izak Morales, Andrew (Karla) Morales, and second wife Katrina Candelaria; brother Alan (Allie) Ochoa; sisters Virginia (Charles) Powell, Carla Gahm and Yvonne Davies; his grandchildren Michah, Jasmine, Ann Marie, Leah (Josh), Connor, Alexander, Orion, Daxton, Antoinette (Andrew), Isaiah, Esperanza and Josiah; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Frank was loved by many for his sense of humor and compassion for others. He has left many memories with each and every one of us who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be greatly missed.
Per Frank’s wishes there will not be any memorial services held in his name.
Assisting the family: Aviant Hospice and Horizon Funeral Care.
