Peter Frank Candela

Peter Frank Candela, 88, of Kalamazoo passed away peacefully at his home on October 14, 2019. He was born June 28, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Philip and Pauline (Licari) Candela. Peter graduated from Eastern High School in Detroit and joined the United States Air Force, serving from 1951-1955 in the Korean War. He very much enjoyed cooking and being in the kitchen, made evident by his career. He first operated Sub Villa when he moved to Kalamazoo and eventually opened Italian Village on Gull Road. Later he added Candela Catering and opened The Fountains Banquet Hall. After retirement, he worked with Lawton Schools Food Service, where he officially retired in 2018. Peter was also a longtime member of Bethany Reformed Church. He enjoyed playing golf and attending his grandchildren's sporting events. Peter was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Nina (Tom) Large; and best friend, James (Donna) Asaro. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Margie (Ver Hage) Candela; daughters, Laura (William II) Maury, Holly (Ronald) Armstrong, and Amy (Robert) Colwell; grandchildren, William Maury III, Jenna (Brandan) Campbell, Phillip (Morgan) Withrow, Christopher Withrow, Emily Withrow, Allison Searles, Samantha Searles, Austin Searles, and Aidan Colwell; great-grandchildren, Charlotte Withrow and Cameron Withrow; step-grandchildren, Zackary Armstrong, Alexander Armstrong, Kerri Colwell, Zachary Colwell, and Joshua Colwell; step-great-grandchildren, Jordan, Alivia, Kensley, Noah, and Laikyn; sister, Nancy (Antonio) Morici; sister-in-law, Carol (Kenneth) Fricke; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as two beloved dogs, Rosie and Addie. The family will receive friends Sunday, October 20, 2019 from 2-5:00 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009. A funeral service will be held Monday, October 21 at 11:00 AM at Bethany Reformed Church, 1833 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Interment with full military honors will be at Ft. Custer National Cemetery at 2:30 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Reformed Church Memorial Fund. Please visit Peter's personalized online guestbook at https://www.langelands.com.