Modesto Candelaria

Modesto Candelaria, age 106, of Crown Point/Lakes of the Four Seasons and formerly of Valparaiso and Lake Station passed away Friday July 9, 2021 at his home with his family at his side. Modesto was born June 20, 1915 in Utuado, Puerto Rico to the late Bernardo and Juana (Santiago) Candelaria and raised by stepmother Carmen Candelaria.  He was an oiler for Universal Atlas Cement a subsidiary of US Steel, Corp. He enjoyed playing dominoes, boxing, and spending time with his family.  He was a very active member of St. Francis-Xavier Catholic Church in Lake Station for the past twelve years and before that he was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church in Gary.

Modesto is survived by his loving wife, Encarnacion "Conchita" (Otero) Candelaria; three daughters, Juana Maria (Candelaria) Pomales, Norma Iris (Candelaria) Cruz, and Yolanda (Juan B.) (Candelaria) Hernandez; ten grandchildren, Eluides (Stacey) Pagan, Angelica (Alex) Dominguez, Marco Pagan, Louis Cruz, Andrew (Chara) Cruz, Deborah (Craig) Sims, Vanessa Kerns Banovic, Jennifer Kerns Kelly, Camellia Candelaria, and Modesto Candelaria, III; nineteen great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; one brother, Isabelino (Ellen) Candelaria; one sister, Lydia (Ramon) (Candelaria) Aguila; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernardo and Juana (Santiago) Candelaria; his stepmother, Carmen Candelaria; two sons, Modesto Candelaria, Jr. and Bernardo Candelaria; and brother, Sergio Candelaria.

Visitation for Modesto will be held at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel 5341 Central Avenue Portage, Indiana 46368 on Wednesday July 14, 2021 from 3-8 pm with a 6 pm prayer service.  A Mass of Christian Burial will begin Thursday July 15, 2021 at the funeral home with 9:15 am prayers and then processing to St. Francis-Xavier Catholic Church at 10:00 am for the Celebration of Mass by father Rev. Jaime Perea.  Burial will follow in Mount Mercy Cemetery in Gary, Indiana.