Glen Ridge, New Jersey
John Candela, 42, generosity ruled life
No one had a more giving heart or was more full of love for his family than John A. Candela.
"There were so many wonderful things he did for his family," Elizabeth Davis Candela said of her husband. "He was very fun-loving. He always wanted to make people happy and smile. He was a great guy."
Making people smile could mean using his snowblower to clear a neighbor's walkway or just sharing candy with co-workers.
The 42-year-old Glen Ridge resident worked for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower. He was there when hijacked airliners slammed into the Twin Towers on Sept. 11.
A memorial Mass is scheduled for 2 p.m. today at St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, 339 Pompton Ave./Route 23, East Bradford Avenue, Cedar Grove.
"We had a great marriage," Elizabeth Candela said. "He was my best friend. He was just a beautiful person."
The couple had two children, Juliette, 7, and John, 4.
"He just loved to be with his family, doing everything from playing cards with his son, with a Barbie Doll with our daughter, to riding bikes -- with both of them -- to their grandmother's house five blocks away," Elizabeth Candela said.
Mr. Candela also loved fishing, driving his 3-year-old 35th anniversary silver Ford Mustang convertible -- that family members called his "vroom, vroom car" --and playing guitar, Elizabeth Candela said.
Born in East Orange, Mr. Candela moved to Glen Ridge when he was 5. A 1977 graduate of Glen Ridge High School, Mr. Candela earned an associate's degree from Middlesex County College in 1983, she said.
After college, Mr. Candela spent 13 years working as an over-the-counter trader with the Shearson Lehman Brothers before joining Cantor Fitzgerald five years ago, Elizabeth Candela said.
Mr. Candela is also survived by his parents, John and Phyllis Marone Candela of Glen Ridge; one brother, Joseph of Cedar Grove, and three sisters, Valerie Speller of Noank, Conn.; Karen Ann Mee of Cedar Grove, and Joan Brady of Maplewood.
The GRHS class of 1977 will never forget our beloved classmate John. He was kind, funny, and had a smile for everyone. A true friend to all who knew him throughout his Glen Ridge years.
Donna Ely
May 31, 2025
My name is Roger, i live in Canada. My thoughts and prayers to all of the victims involved in this tragic non sense attack.
God does not keep anything and he has punished all of those who caused this devastating world-wide tragedy.
God bless to the family of Mr Candela.
ROGER GRINOLDS
September 12, 2021 | CALGARY, MT | Significant_other
Remembering John on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
Cindy Roe
September 03, 2021 | Galesburg, MI
We will never forget that day. I pray today for John's family. Much love from Texas
Del Newberry
January 30, 2019 | Garland, TX
Never forget! Sending prayers to Johns family.
Gladis Cubas
September 11, 2018
Remembered. May God bless your family
September 11, 2016
I always remember John (aka Johnny-boy) on this day. I wish I had known him--I only met him as a kid. I had the opportunity about 16 years ago to visit him when I was visiting my Aunt Jean, but didn't and have always regretted it. Because our family didn't keep close ties, I felt that visit would be too out-of-the-blue. I keep you guys in my prayers. Much love. Laurie
Laurie (Judd and Mary LaScala) Atchison
September 12, 2013 | Garland, TX
It's been 12 years now and we will never forget. John was a great guy. Friend to everyone. I'll always keep the Candela family in my thoughts and prayers.
Matt O'Neill
September 10, 2013 | Pt. Pleasant, NJ
To The Candela Family,
I did not have the opportunity of knowing Mr. John A. Candela. I know it's been over ten years since the WTC attacks but I wanted to tell you how sorry I am that you lost your loved one in this terrible tragedy.
Sincerely,
Mr. Terry of NC
May 08, 2012