Obituary of Gerald Candela

Gerald "Jerry" Candela, age 89, of Erie, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at Manchester Commons. He was born in Ashtabula, OH on June 20, 1924, the son of the late, Anthony and Sarah Kangas Candela. He graduated from Ashtabula H.S. and the Ohio University School of Journalism. Jerry served in the WWII Army's Fifth Armored Division and was wounded; recuperated in a London Hospital, and then received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.. He was employed as a courthouse reporter for the Erie Times News, was a legislative assistant to Congressman James Weaver, MD and County Executive Russell Robinson, worked for the Erie Chamber of Commerce, and was a real estate agent for New Horizon. Jerry was a member of St. Luke R.C. Church and was a Times Old Newsie. He was a long-time musician; playing the drums and he especially enjoyed his pets: Googa (dog), Naja (dog), and Kitty Cat. Jerry gave generously of his time to the community and he truly loved helping those less fortunate. Jerry was very proud of his family and enjoyed visiting with his grandchildren. He was loved by all. May he rest in God's Peace. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sara Coyne. He is survived by two sons; Sean P. Candela (Mary Schupp Candela) of Millcreek, Brian Candela (Annie) of Orlando, FL, one sister, Patricia Massi of Wadsworth, OH, six grandchildren: Derek, Braden, Xavier, Sara, Carlo, and Jacob Candela. One nephew, Greg Massi, two nieces; Cheryl Peto, and Janice Pate. Friends may attend a Memorial Mass at St. Luke R.C. Church, 421 East 38th Street on Saturday, January 11 at 1:30 P.M. Private interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. Memorial contributions may be given to the Humane Society of NW PA, 2407 Zimmerly Rd., Erie, PA 16506.