Joseph Nicholas Candelora MD

Dr. Joseph Nicholas Candelora was born on October 24th, 1941 and died peacefully on October 11th, 2025. He was born on Long Island, NY, and died in Clinton, MS.

During his university years, Dr. Candelora graduated from Hofstra University with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology followed by his Masters of Arts in Biology. He then served in the US Army as a Second Lieutenant at Fort Detrick in Maryland, specializing as a Unit Commander in the Chemical Corp. Dr. Candelora studied medicine and received his Doctorate of Medical Science and PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois in Chicago. He subsequently moved to San Jose, CA, to complete his pathology internship at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and then moved to Richmond, VA for his pathology residency at the Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Candelora then moved to Jackson, MS, and worked as a pathologist at St. Dominic’s Hospital for 33 years. During his early years as a pathologist, Dr. Candelora earned his Juris Doctor from the Mississippi College School of Law.

Dr. Candelora served as a soccer coach and enthusiastic supporter of soccer for his two children, Allison and Nicholas. He was actively involved in the Bridge Club of Madison and Jackson, MS. He was an avid reader of historical non - fiction authors as well as true crime authors, such as Ann Rule. As a beloved hockey fan, Dr. Candelora and his family cheered on the Jackson Bandits, the NY Islanders and the Washington Capitals. For college football, Dr. Candelora cheered greatly for the Virginia Tech Hokies and Ole Miss Rebels.

Dr. Candelora is survived by his wife, Kay Candelora of Madison, MS, and two children, Allison Candelora of Washington, DC, and Nicholas Candelora (and wife Schuyler Candelora) of Charlottesville, VA, and grandchild, Rubylou of Charlottesville, VA. He is also survived by his brother, Nicholas Candelora, of Ohio along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The Candelora family would like to thank the Madison Police Department and Madison Fire Department for all the care and compassion they showed our loved one during Dr. Candelora’s final year. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his memory to the organizations listed above or the Gateway Rescue Mission in Jackson, MS.

Family and friends are invited to Dr. Candelora’s Memorial Service on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at First Baptist Church of Madison. The Memorial Service will be in the chapel. The Memorial Service will be followed immediately by visitation with the family. All are welcome to attend and remember the life of Dr. Joseph Candelora.

Dr. Candelora will be buried at Union Chapel Baptist Church in Clarksville, VA. There will be a graveside service on Saturday, November 8th, 2025 at 1 pm.