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Lothar Candels Obituary
On the first snowy morning, at an early hour appropriate for going fishing, he set off for his next adventure. Dr Lothar Richard Candels, beloved husband, father, pediatrician, avid fisherman, woodsman, hunter, painter, photographer, poet, scrimshander, composer, arrowhead finder and lover of literature, died peacefully at home surrounded with the love of his family, on Dec. 29, 2015. The son of Anthony and Martha Schneider Candels, Lothar was born on June 20, 1925 in Bonn, Germany. When he was 3 they set sail for America, living in Hartford before moving to Avon in 1931. He explored fields and forests, mountains and streams and knew where to find native brook trout, butterflies and flowers. He studied at Towpath School and Avon Old Farms, where his father served as the Chief Steward/Chef. He attended Trinity College and Fordham University and received his medical degree from Long Island College of Medicine, completing his residency at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. In 1947 he met his true love and partner in adventure, Betty Hurley, through the glee club at Albertus Magnus College. After wooing her with sonnets and song, they were wed in 1951, and lived brieflly in Brooklyn, NY and served in the Navy in Virginia. Lothar and Betty settled in Avon where he began his pediatric practice, providing tender, compassionate care to families for 43 years. His offices in Avon and Canton were small museums filled with natural treasures, enjoyed by his patients and parents. Often seen on housecalls wearing his cowboy hat adorned with pheasant feathers, he once shot a rabid squirrel that had bitten the child he had come to treat. Dr. Candels shared his passions, wisdom, and appreciation of life with all who knew him. One of his greatest adventures was catching a king salmon in Alaska that equaled the world record in weight. Thank you for teaching us how to love and share. We will miss you every day. He is predeceased by his son, Richard, and survived by his wife, Betty, his brother Carl Candels, and his children: Paul, Philip, Lisa, Eileen and Lynn; daughters in law, Heather and Patti, and sons in law, John Noelke and Patrick Griffin; nine grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Calling hours will be held at St. Ann's Church in Avon on Friday, Jan. 8, from 4-7 PM. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Jan. 9 at 10:00 AM at St. Ann's, followed by a reception. A celebration of his life will follow in the spring at Avon Old Farms School. Please honor him in a way you feel he would love or consider a donation to Avon or Barkhamsted Land Trusts.
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Memories and Condolences
for Lothar Candels
Sponsored by the family.
Stephanie Hsiang
October 15, 2020
Dr candels was my pediatrician. He just came to mind so I googled him. My brothers and I loved him so much! He used to draw animals on our arms instead of just plain circles around that prickly test he used to do. It was so fun! I remember when he caught that huge fish. He told my mother all about it and that picture hung in the office. May he Rest In Peace
August 25, 2017
To the family of Dr. Candels- I am saddened to learn of his passing. He was a very kind & loving doctor. I loved the wooden toys & knicknacks, etc. in his offices.
Karen Mattson
Philomene (Meni) Stella (Theobald)
August 31, 2016
I just happened across this obit and I realized I knew Dr.Candels way back when...I used to visit often at his parents house in Avon. I called them Onkel Tony and Tante Martha. This is at least 60 years ago when I lived in West Hartford. It brings back many wonderful memories. Unfortunately I lost track of all of them when I moved to San Diego and then to New Mexico.
My sincere sympathy to the entire family but especially to Carl in the loss of his brother.
Gregory Gagnon
June 5, 2016
As a pediatric nurse, I worked with Dr. Candels at St. Francis many years ago. He was one of the best pediatricians I had the pleasure to work with. Did not know about the Avon Old Farms connection because I'm a grad, wish I had. I remember him warmly and with great respect. Gregory Gagnon R.N., B.S.N.
Keith Distel
March 31, 2016
Dr. Candels was one of the greatest individuals ever to grace this earth. From birth through my very early 20's, he was my primary care physician. But much more than that, he was a friend, a confidant, and someone who brushed aside everything else when I came into his Avon office. I am sure he did the same for all of his patients, but his true gift was the fact that none of us ever caught on! He was gentle, he was kind, he was attentive, he was firm, he was supportive, and he knew how to make me feel safe at all times. I love this man so much and am crushed by his passing. I can't wait to buy some of his scrimshaw when we meet again. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends, family, and the thousands upon thousands of people who knew him so well. May his memory be for a blessing.
Colin Sinish
January 28, 2016
What a great man and Doctor I remember his practice on the bottom of Indian hill road in canton.. He gave me my first stitches when I had an accident while whittling w my new sharp boyscout knife.. I remember him drawing an elephant on my arm after he would give me a shot, I had to be 6 yrs old or so.. He was my doctor untill I was a teenager.. I would love seeing him around town driving his Subaru Outback w his camo canoe tied to the roof.. I am so sad to hear that he died... His legacy will live on forever.. Such a kind man who appreciated the best things in life
Nancy Coman
January 27, 2016
Dr. Candels was an intern and I was a student nurse at sfh together in the early 50s. When I moved to Granby he came to the house and took care of my children. He was one in a million. So sorry for our loss. In remembrance, Nancy (Brink) Coman R.N.
Lynn Candels
January 21, 2016
Hello All
We are so very grateful. For each and every single one of your notes. Every single one of your experiences wirh our beloved Dad. We have all been enriched by his presence in our lives; as children, wife, family, patients, parents, friends.
Please join us in celebrating his wonderful life June 12, 2015 1:30 pm Avon Old Farms School Refectory
RSVP [email protected] or contact any family member
Doug Frederick
January 17, 2016
I was one of eight who grew up in Avon. When it came time for the Doctor to visit, my parents would line us up in the living room and the Doctor would sit on the couch and start the process. I remember these visits like it was yesterday and the man who wore the funny hats as kind and gentle.
Andy Consuegra
January 14, 2016
Dear Eileen and Family;
I just read the obituary in the Avon Old Farms site. It is a very sad day, learning of your dad's passing.
But, what an honor it was to have your dad as our doctor growing up in Avon. I was in awe of him from as far back as I can remember. He was an inspiration seeing him fish at Beaver Pond on the campus at AOF. He was also one of AOF's finest alumni.
The Consuegra clan has a special place in our hearts for Dr Candels. We send you all our warmest and deepest condolences.
January 11, 2016
Dear Betty and family,
Our daughter in CT brought us the news of Dr. Candels passing. It saddened us until we read the obituary of his long life, his many loves and accomplishments. More than once in our young lives, we relied on him for his good judgement and trusted advice in the care of our children. He is missed by more than one and will be remembered by so many. Our sincere condolences to you, your children and family. Richard and Judy Kapanka, Thomas and Michelle
Patricia Harrington
January 10, 2016
Dear Betty and family,
What a great joy and blessing he was in our lives. He was present to our daughter Claudia just as if she was his one and only patient. He pulled her through a couple of tense times. I'm sure that his tremendous spirit will live on in our hearts. He was so real....like the Velveteen Rabbit. My prayers are there for and with you, Betty, as you find your way through this new path. God bless you.
Love, Pat Harrington
Kimberly Matt Appleyard
January 9, 2016
Dear Betty, May his memories bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart. He was a wonderful person. A doctor I felt comfortable with and a friend that I could talk to. Keeping you in my prayers during this time.
January 9, 2016
Dear Betty,
I remember Dr. Candels teaching Bethany how to catch grasshoppers in your hand so you could feed the fish in the pond at the Canton Office. What a guy !
Dottie Marks
January 8, 2016
to Betty and all of you
I got a call from niece last night telling me of Lothar's passing.
I just read his wonderful obituary and all the wonderful messages from his friends and past patients.
I feel so privileged to be able to say that he was my very special friend, and for the rest of my 75 years, your whole family were also my special friends.
Before he became a doctor, I can still remember him coming to our home after Sunday Mass and sitting with me as i recovered from rheumatic fever and in many ways, sitting with me for the rest of my life with such fond and loving memories of all of you and Mountain View Ave in Avon.
I so wish that Mat and i could be there with you for his funeral but we can't. I will be in touch with you,Betty, in the days ahead .
Much love and sympathy to you all for his loss but how lucky to have had his love and caring and support in your lives.
Rosemary (Rosie ) and Mat Brown
January 8, 2016
Dear Betty, and Family;
The care as a child, and then later for our children as they grew up is far beyond "priceless"..! The many hunting trips as well.....Doc made the world a far better place...
Much Love Bruce & Carol Merritt
Paula Desilva
January 7, 2016
Dear Betty and famiky,
During the "Blizzard of '78" when my four year old son Keith's "cold" became pneumonia and I couldn't get our of the driveway or road to take Keith to the hospital, Dr. Candels somehow managed to get to our house to treat Keith. It was such a relief to have him watch over my little boy.
He was such a blessing to so many mothers.
My thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
Love
Paula Szabo DeSilva
Karen Weiser Kelly
January 6, 2016
Doc as we called him and my dad where friends. Such a wonderful man, kind soul. I am lucky to have known him and have some of his scrimshaw to remember him by. He will be truly missed. My prayers to you and your family.Karen Weiser Kelly
Susan Trappe
January 5, 2016
My condolences to the Candels family. When I think of Dr Candels I am always grateful for the kindness and friendship he showed to my children,(and me) as their pediatrician. He always took my son out to feed the fish even if the waiting room was full. Such a generous and magnanimous man. He was very kind to me when my father, (and his childhood friend John Trappe) passed away. I hope God can see fit to send more people made from the same mold as Lothar. His spirit will life forever.
Sas Ward
January 5, 2016
``This is a room of many memories,'' he said. Every object stimulates a memory, sparks a creative idea, recalls a past adventure.
``I'm curious. The day I stop being curious, I'm dead.''
Paul.....what a fine man! He touched thousands of lives. He will be so missed!
January 4, 2016
Betty and family we our so sorry to hear about docs passing. I am sure he has stopped by the snicker tree on tower hill trail in Doolittle woods on his way home. I had some great times with that great man.
Steve Christinat
Eileen KILLIANY Allaire
January 4, 2016
What a beautiful written obituary to a warm ,gentle,genuine man that made going to the doctors an adventure and ALWAYS making things better. Something I always searched for when the kids were young but never found...I have to say the elephant was one of my favorite things to get around the site of an immunization . A long wonderful life for a beautiful soul...enjoy the journey Dr C
Linda Pierce
January 4, 2016
It was truly a privilege to have met this wonderful man and to have been welcomed into his home. We are saddened by the news but so glad to have known Dr. and Mrs. Candels and his beautiful family.
Scott and Linda Pierce
January 4, 2016
Eileen
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Josephine Agnello-Veley
Frank Collins
January 4, 2016
Phil and family, condolences from our family to yours. Frank & Joan
Kathy Bushka-Perkins
January 4, 2016
I'm sorry to hear Dr. Candels passed away. My mom worked at St Francis Hospital and would always see him. I bought my first Irish setter from Dr.Candels. RIP Dr. Candels.
Larry M. Fioretti
January 4, 2016
Sorry for your loss. Dr. Candels was a great Dr. taking care of my 2 daughters. He was also a great fisherman. I had the pleasure of going tuna fishing with him & my dad and of course Dr. Candels caught the biggest tuna. He was surly one of the greatest and will be missed.
Marie Giantonio Smith
January 4, 2016
Dr Candels was a great doc and a wonderful neighbor. I have many fond memories of growing up on Sylvan Street with the Candels family. My sincere condolences to the whole family.
Bonnie Huber
January 4, 2016
Condolences to Dr. Candels' family. It sounds like he was a pleasure to know and a very special man. Peace to the family.
Sheila Richter
January 4, 2016
Dr Candels was a loving Doctor to our son Jason for many years. May he Rest in Peace.
Keith Schroder
January 3, 2016
A true renaissance man, I was proud to have him as my pediatrician. May his spirit live in all of us.
JoEllen Oakes
January 3, 2016
A wonderful doctor, a wonderful man, a wonderful life. Dr. Candels was always available for me and my children and we appreciated his dedication to keeping kids healthy. We'll miss his enthusiasm for life! Sincere condolences to his loving family.
Craig Hopkins
January 3, 2016
Wonderful memories of his office in Avon as a child. I remember how comforting the nature vibe was... and reading Highlights Magazine!!!Craig Hopkins
Alison Martin-Hamrick
January 3, 2016
Mrs Candles and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of this beloved man. Dr Candles was not only my pediatrician growing up but truly an inspiration in my life and in my career. I loved visiting the offices and enjoyed looking at all the animals and facinated by the drawings on my arm when receiving my tine tests. I did the same for my pediatric patients in my nursing career. God speed and God bless.
Russell Gately
January 2, 2016
Dr. Candels, was the voice of calm when as a youngster and new to Avon, going to a new Dr was frightening. Thank you for your years of service and care. I know my father being a scrimshander also, picked up his additional hobby of scrimshaw on those mushroom like extensions on the trees,forgot the name. Forever grateful, Russ Gately.
Hannah Battiston-Martin
January 2, 2016
RIP Dr. Candels. Thoughts and prayers go out to your family. I'm so sorry for your loss. A great man that will certainly be missed.
January 2, 2016
How well Dr Candles took care of my three children. We were so lucky to have a caring Doctor.They all loved going to his office. We were blessed to have him as our peditrician.
Bette Bourque Prouty.
Gregor McCluskey
January 2, 2016
RIP Dr Candels. I loved hearing of your adventures and alway's enjoyed the visits to your office and waiting room full of nature. Inspiring as an outdoorsman and a gentleman. My sincerest condolences to the family..
Dr. Hema and Dr. Paula DeSilva
January 2, 2016
Dear Betty and family, We are so sad to learn of the loss of your dear patriarch. We will always remember his friendship and kindness.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Our love,Paula and Hema DeSilva
Jon and Sue Case
January 1, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with your family.
Treasure and share the good times, there were so many.
Jerry Goldstein
January 1, 2016
This was a great man. I had not seen Dr Candels since I left Simsbury for college in 1985 but I always considered him "my" doctor and thought of him often. As a young boy I was comforted by his care no matter how serious the injury or ailment. Dr Candels was one of a kind.
Sally Dengenis
January 1, 2016
Dear Mrs. Candlels and to the family: My sincerest condolences to each of you. Dr. Candels cared for my children when we moved to Avon in the 1960's from Hartford. He was so caring and kind and my children always looked forward to visiting the Doctor.
Peace to each of you. Sally Dengenis
Joan McQuillan
January 1, 2016
THE GOOD DOCTOR HAD A UNIQUE KNACK FOR PUTTING HIS PATIENTS AND PARENTS AT EASE REGARDLESS OF THE ILLNESS. A VISIT ALWAYS ENDED ON A HIGH NOTE AND WE WERE GRATEFUL FOR HIS KINDNESS, GOOD HUMOR AND ATTENTION. SOMEONE MENTIONED "COMMON SENSE MEDICINE" AND THAT CERTAINLY WAS HIS PRACTICE.
SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO HIS WIFE AND FAMILY. THEIR PRIDE IN HIM WAS EVIDENT IN THE BEAUTIFUL OBITUARY.
lothar's scrimshaw
January 1, 2016
I was a later friend of Lothar's, meeting him and Betty at our scrimshaw meetings in New Bedford. Lothar and I shared a love of the art of scrimshaw as well as pediatrics as I was a pediatric surgeon. We had many discussions on scrimshaw technique as we both were scrimshanders (he was much better than I). His warmth and friendliness made for easy conversations.
Lothar donated several of his pieces to the Nantucket Historical Society and the New Bedford Whaling Museum, one of which is depicted. We will all miss him very much.
Pat, Sue & Jimmy Mancini
January 1, 2016
I remember the house calls & awesome office down the street. Our thoughts and prayers to family members and friends.
Judy Cooke
January 1, 2016
A wonderful man. Condolences to the family.
John Castellani
January 1, 2016
Dr candle was a good friend to my mother and father he always made me feel safe and happy to go to the dr his voice and maternity was something I remember then I turned into a man and hi carving and his love of hunting and fishing and the story of life made me happy to know him rest in peace
Guy Gilchrist
January 1, 2016
I will never forget him.
Jim Baldis
January 1, 2016
As as my pediatrician from a young boy to adolescence and then the pediatrician for our children, Dr. Candles was the subject of many conversations with local friends about the heartfelt care he gave to his patients and parents alike. I will always be grateful for his friendship, showing us the importance of simple common sense medical care and ALWAYS being there for us. Rest in Peace Dr. Candels.... you will always live in our hearts.
John Trouern-Trend
January 1, 2016
My heartfelt condolences to you Betty and the rest of the family.
As I was driving to Mass at St Ann's this morning, as yet unaware of his passing, I was thinking about my esteemed and much admired pediatrician colleague Lothar:"I must visit him today!..before its too late!"
Hearing his name among the the list of those to keep in our prayers was indeed a soul shaking wake up call!
"Stay awake... we know not the time...!"
Never put off one's impulse to help or console another, whether they be family, colleagues, patients, or any one of 'the least of His brothers and sisters'.
My indeed fortunate and grateful to have known and worked with Lothar.
John B G Trouern-Trend MD
Bob Buckley
January 1, 2016
Know that the myriad PRESENTS Dr. Candles shared during his time with you remain as his PRESENCE with you forever.
Charlie & Jan Kepner
January 1, 2016
Lothar will always be remembered with great affection by us. He took great care of our girls Kim & Kris for which we will be forever grateful. My he rest in peace and his family be comforted knowing how much he was loved & will be sorely missed. Sorry that we can't be at his Memorial.
Susan Peters
January 1, 2016
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. much love
edith phyfe
January 1, 2016
Dr. Candels was such a vibrant, interested and interesting person. His obituary totally captures his marvelous persona.
What a gift to have known even a bit of him. Peace to his entire family,
Always,
Edith Phyfe
Thomas Hart
January 1, 2016
Friends told us of a house call Dr. Candels made on snow shoes during a bad storm. Our daughters loved the images of small animals he drew on their forearms at the end of each visit. When one daughter severely burned the palm of her hand on a wood stove, he treated her and calmed her parents. Dr. Candels was a special man, and his beautiful obituary gives all who knew him and all who didn't have the privilege a glimpse into his life. Thank you, Dr. Candels, and condolences to his family.
Thomas Hart
January 1, 2016
Friends told us of a house call Dr. Candels made on snowshoes during a storm. Our daughters loved the drawings of small animals he quickly put on their forearms at the end of each visit. When one daughter placed her hand on a hot wood stove, he treated her and calmed us down. Dr. Candels was a special man. If you didn't know him, his beautiful obituary provides a glimpse.
Lorraine Ratkiewich
January 1, 2016
Lothar was a pediatrician who actually made house
calls and immediately cheered the young patient with his smile and friendly attitude. I am so sorry to see him pass... In 1961, he saved the life of my newborn (only) son, for which I am eternally grateful, and pray fervently he will be rewarded...and forever rest in peace.
Lorraine Ratkiewich
Mary Mitchell
January 1, 2016
To the family of Dr Candels. I first met him 58 years ago when son Steven was a baby. He helped me so much with a baby that needed help and so did his Mother. Gradually all the kids in the family came to be patients. I will never forget him inviting my Cub Scout troop to his office to talk about all the animals and nature. Then he took them to Howard Johnson's for an ice cream.
He was a truly remarkable doctor and will be greatly missed by all.
I am in Florida but read his obit on the courant we site. With deepest sympathy to Betty and all of the family. You all have Happy Memories.
Rick Liftig
January 1, 2016
It's hard to add anything more to that beautiful piece of writing. I think of Dr. Candels and have a big, broad smile. His life was truly a life well lived and one we should all aspire to. Peace and love to the Candels family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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