Christian Josiah Candelaria

Christian Josiah Candelaria born December 1, 2004, died tragically on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at the very young age of 17. Christian is survived by his mother, Sarah Candelaria, and stepfather, David Trujillo; four brothers: Donivin Candelaria-Mendoza, Noah Trujillo, Damien and Marcus Mendoza; maternal grandparents, Vince and Dawn Candelaria; maternal great-grandparents, Wally and Judy Iverson, and Gabriel and Peggy Candelaria; and maternal family: Auntie, Megan Candelaria; Uncle, Ryan Montanes; Lilyanna (sister) and Hazel Montanes; Uncle, Cosmo Candelaria; Auntie, Teresa Jiron, Sebastian and Oliver Candelaria; Great-Auntie, Cindy Brown; Great-Uncle, Nick Brown, Curtis, Cody and Maddy Brown, Angelo and Zephaniah Brown; Great-Uncle, Eric, and Great-Auntie, Tina Iverson, Ashley and Alyssa Iverson; Great-Auntie, Antionette Candelaria, Dominique and Andrew, Mila, and Aria Vasquez, Mikayla Candelaria, Kahloni, Marisa Candelaria, and Elijah Candelaria; his father, Florencio Mendoza; paternal grandparents, Javier and Pat Garcia; his paternal great-grandparents, Armando and Laura Marquez; Uncle, Donald; Auntie, Olivia; Uncle, Armando, Ivonne Divinity, Temperance, Noelle, Johnathan and Zamantha: and many more extended family and friends.

Christian was loved beyond belief by so many and never lived by anyone else's rules. Christian was a free spirit, that was taken far too soon. In Christian's short life, he meant so much to so many people and will be missed dearly. Christian loved with his whole heart, to those that were fortunate to receive it. Christian's hugs, with his skinny arms, always gave you a warm feeling and you knew it came from his heart. As a younger boy, Christian loved football and played YAFL for Atrisco Heritage. He was awesome! Papa Vince won, and Christian was a Bronco's fan. Christian attended Painted Sky Elementary, Jimmy Carter Middle School, and West Mesa High School. Christian will be missed by so many and loved always.

A Viewing will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, from 9:30 a.m., to 10:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Service starting at 10:00 a.m., at FRENCH - University. Burial to follow at San Jose de Armijo Cemetery, 2957 Arenal Rd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121. Reception will follow at American Legion Post 13, 1201 Legion Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102.