Carlos Antonio Candelaria, age 56, passed away April 28, 2026 at home in Irvine, California, after a long battle with myxoid liposarcoma (a rare cancer).

He was born March 5, 1970, in the Bronx, NY, a son of Carlos Candelaria-Rivera (of Puerto Rico) and Miriam Felicia Gonzalez-Mota (of the Dominican Republic). He attended Cardinal Hayes High School and Cornell University in New York, playing football for both schools, as well as baritone horn in high school and lacrosse in college.

After college, Carlos went to work in the financial, mortgage, and insurance industries in New York City and Southern California. Along the way, he combined his financial knowledge and artistic talents to renovate and sell houses for several years, while competing in a semi-professional football league in his spare time.

In 2011, he was diagnosed with cancer for the first time and re-focused his life on health and fitness. He coached little league and football at Costa Mesa High School in Southern California, and he also served as a Cub Scouts leader. He founded a personal fitness company called Prepforce Fitness, training young athletes and adults to improve their health and physical fitness. He also trained and competed as a bodybuilder himself.

During his spare time, Carlos enjoyed painting, fishing, and watching professional wrestling. He loved animals and doted on his dogs, cat, and fish. He also loved Latin music. He touched many peoples’ lives with his humor, charm, big heart, and infectious smile.

In 2021, Carlos’ cancer returned, and he fought it valiantly for the last 5 years.

Carlos is survived by his first wife, Rachel Rivera; second wife, Sheri Sears; current wife Laura Peck; two sons, Ricardo (“Ricky”) and Roman; stepson Andre Ramos; parents Carlos (wife Blanca) and Miriam; brother Ricardo (“Richie”); as well as many cousins, aunts, and uncles who will sadly miss him.