In Memory of Michael Candelaresi
In Memory of Michael Candelaresi
Michael Candelaresi
Spouse: Arlene Candelaresi
Children: Milene, Arael, Andrew, Elishia
Birthdate: February 14, 1948
Seonghwa Ceremony: December 27, 2021
Michael Candelaresi was born on February 14, 1948, which almost had him named Valentino by his Catholic parents, Anthony Candelaresi and Margaret Driscoll Candelaresi. He was always grateful that did not come to pass. As a child, his family lived with his mother’s Irish family and shared Sunday dinners with his father’s Italian family. Michael was the oldest of 6; Pat Candelaresi, Carol Long, Tim Candelaresi, Katie Rehm, and Susan Bauer. He was raised with love and an ethos that children should be seen, not heard.
When Michael was entering high school his father suffered medical complications resulting in partial paralysis. At this point, Michael’s life drastically changed. He became pivotal in helping raise his 3 youngest siblings while his parents dealt with the results of his father’s partial paralysis. It was also during his high school years that he developed Crohn's Disease which he struggled with for the rest of his life. Through all of these experiences, Michael and his siblings developed a deep bond that has endured and remains strong to this day.
From his childhood years until his death, Michael was a kind and soft soul. In high school he became friends with intellectuals and musicians, finding them kindred spirits. During college, he began writing poetry. He recently told a story of the first time he heard Bob Dylan and realized how differently a person could think about the questions in life. Some years after college Jack Gerow, his life-long friend got Michael involved with the Unification Church. In his early days with the church, Michael was proud of his part in helping to start the Il Hwa business and buying land for the horse farm.
In 1979 he was married to Arlene Rosenfeld which led to the lives of their four children; Milene Haft, Arael Seher, Andrew Candelaresi, and Elishia Candelaresi as well as 8 grandchildren. Arlene used diet to work wonders in managing Michael’s Crohn’s. With his children and wife, Michael moved back to Cincinnati to be with his siblings and continue church work.
He was an extremely kind and generous person, always offering rides or hours of conversation for anyone who was struggling. He was a philosopher and always wondered what was behind and ahead of the matter at hand. His children knew that if they misbehaved they would not be grounded or spanked but rather would have to talk to dad for hours about what’s right and wrong or why they acted out or how they’re feeling.
As an adult Michael continued to pursue education, getting his undergraduate and master’s degree in economics after the age of 45. He often grew to like new bands, even into his 70’s. He also continued to pursue interests in technology. His newest hobby was taking pictures of the sky on his cellphone. He loved the sky and often interrupted the conversation to have those around look at the moon, stars, or sunset. These are places we will continue to look for signs from Michael.
A Seonghwa Ceremony, which is the memorial service in the Unification Church tradition, will be held at 3:00 PM on Monday, December 27, 2021 at Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home (5527 Cheviot Rd, Cincinnati, Ohio 45247) for those who would like to attend. A livestream will be available below for those unable to attend. A visitation will be held immediately following from 5p-7pm, also at the funeral home. Masks are preferred by the family for those in attendance.
Seonghwa Ceremony
In-Person and Online
Date: Monday, December 27, 2021
Time: 3:00 PM EST (followed by a special family visitation at 5PM)
Mihovk Rosenacker Funeral Home
5527 Cheviot RD
Cincinnati, Ohio 45247
Please follow all COVID protocols and masks are preferred by the family for those in attendance.
Online viewing link can be found here under the obituary.
Obituary for Michael R. Candelaresi
View details at https://www.mrfh.com/obituary/michael-candelaresi
If you wish to send flowers see this link: https://www.mrfh.com
Or en lieu of flowers you could make a donation to:
TheKingMakerFoundation
Checks are to made to:
The Kingmaker Foundation
2714 Chesterfield Blvd
Norfolk,VA 23504
Please support the ongoing needs of the family at:
GO FUND ME for Funeral Expenses: https://gofund.me/45046a07
STORIES ♥️ Share your stories about Michael Candelaresi
And whatever you choose, I hope you can also just share a story on his Facebook page or by email to: StoriesForMichaelCandelaresi@gmail.com
