David J. Candelaria
April 19, 1943 - April 6, 2025
Our loving Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather Dave left this world to soon on April 6, 2025.
Dave was born on April 19, 1943 in Columbia, UT to Jose and Manuelita Candelaria.
Dave retired from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs where he served our nations veterans as an addiction therapist. He loved his job helping our nation’s veterans and always treated those he worked with, with the upmost love and compassion.
He was always the total prankster with his co-workers and loved to make people laugh. After retirement he decided he needed something to do so he delivered parts for Bradshaw Automotive, and Car Quest. He liked to stay busy and be around people.
He had a great love for music and loved going out dancing on a Thursday night. He was always one to make people laugh and loved telling inappropriate jokes. He was a very smart guy and an even bigger smartass.
He loved riding his motorcycle, golfing, hunting, fishing, bowling and playing softball. He loved being with family and would always try and be to every activity he could. He always made time to be there for his kids, grandkids and great grandkids going to every school activity, recital and sports activity he could get to. When he wasn’t watching golf he would be watching his favorite show Judge Judy. He was a big BYU fan always sporting his BYU attire when the cougars were playing.
In 2022 he finally met his soul mate Jeri Ulibarri. She brought much joy and excitement to his life. They enjoyed many trips and activities together especially their monthly trips to Wendover.
He was an amazing and loving Father, Friend, Companion, Grandfather and Great Grandfather and will be missed by so many. He will always be in our hearts and memories.
He is preceded in death in by his parents Jose and Manuelita, his brothers Tom and Michael , his sisters Mary and Eve, his son David Jr his nephew Joey and his great grandson Logan.
He is survived by his children Anita (Joe), Jennifer (David), Danielle (Jim) and Christopher. His brothers, John and Bill, and sister, Olive. His Grandchildren Justin (Izzy), Damon (Krystal), AJ (Scott), Ashtin (Mike), Jordan (Taran), Zachary, Nicholas (Genevieve), Roula, Jonathan and Ava and his Great Grandchildren Kaylee, Aria, Oliver, Collin, Maci, Noah and Elizabeth. Along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 18th, 2025 from 6-8PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance on the north side of the building.
In Loving Memory
So many memories. We'll miss you Uncle Dave. Until we meet again. Rest in peace. 🙏🏼
Uncle David, you will be greatly missed. I have so many memories, from childhood to adulthood. To your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren sending my condolences. Give my love to everyone that are with you now. God Bless
Johnny & Candelaria family: Our deepest condolence on sudden loss of your brother David. We send our sympathies to David's immediate family. May David rest in peace.
I haven’t seen my Uncle Dave in a while and I will miss him, and from my family to his family we extend our condolences for his loss. He was a large influence in my life as a young man. I have so many cherished memories of my uncle and the things we did together, hunting, fishing, working on cars at Liberty Park, get family togethers etc., life takes us in to many directions. I miss you and love you. Pete
I’m so saddened by the passing of my work buddy, golf instructor, outrageous friend. We worked together on the substance abuse unit where he was beloved by his coworkers at the V.A. and respected by our patients. Dave touched many lives and finally found Jeri, his soulmate. Rest in peace, friend. Thanks for the laughter.
Uncle David you earned your wings now you can watch over us until we meet again ❣️🙏🏽 Rest In Peace our condolences go out family and may God comfort us at this difficult time ❣️😔
I'm one of Chris child hood best friends grew up hanging out in Dave's house usually all summer long and going fishing , golfing batting cages pretty much taking us to do anything we asked Dave was amazing with us growing up we had so much with Dave. i can't say enough of how much Dave will be missed . Condolences go out to the whole family .remember never forgotten. ( Central city for life)
To the Candelaria family, I just wanted to send my condolences to everyone. Dave was such a great person, he was a father figure to me right after my own father passed. Dave always made myself and my family feel like we mattered. Dave always made sure that I was taken care of, no matter what the situation was. I will forever be grateful for the laughs we had shared, the times he helped me fix my car, going on motercycle rides around the block, coloring eggs with Jonathan at Easter, and for the opportunity to own my first home. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
In Loving Memory
