Gary J. Candelet

Gary J. Candelet, 80, of Fitchburg, MA, passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at The Highlands in Fitchburg.

Born in North Attleboro, MA on March 19, 1944, Gary was the son of the late Milton and Rita (Plunkett) Candelet and stepmother, Charlotte Candelet. He graduated from North Attleboro High School in 1962 and attended Wentworth Institute of Technology before transferring to Fitchburg State College. Gary graduated with a degree in Industrial Arts in 1967, joined the Peace Corps and was assigned to Egerton University in Njoro, Kenya. During his two years there, he designed and directed the construction of an addition to the Egerton Agricultural College. He delighted in leading safaris and in the summer of 1972, returned to Kenya as a safari director for Camp Interlocken, once based in Hillsboro, NH.

Gary’s career in teaching began as an Industrial Arts instructor at Weston High School in Weston, MA. In1974, Gary became an instructor for T.E.R.M (Training Employment Repair and Maintenance), an alternative educational program for the Fitchburg Public Schools. Two groups of high school students split their school days between classroom studies and on-site projects. Over the years, the students made many improvements to buildings in Fitchburg and built the gazebo at the Upper Common and the Gazebo at Stanley Park in West Fitchburg. Gary then went to work for the U.S. Government at Fort Devens, MA, as the Director of Electronics Training in the U.S. Army Intelligence School until the school moved to Arizona. Having completed his Masters in Counseling, Gary joined the Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School as Director of Continuing Education and later as a class counselor. Upon his retirement in 2010, he served on the Monty Tech School Committee representing the town of Westminster. He was a member of Rotary International and was involved in their initiative, HOBY (Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program.)

Gary was an avid Boston sports fan who also enjoyed playing golf and traveling. You could often find him playing cribbage at the Fitchburg Senior Center. His greatest joy was helping others, especially his students who loved and respected him and went on to accomplish more than they thought possible.

Gary is survived by his wife, Linda; stepsons, David Caravella and his wife, Laura of Branson West, MO and Kevin Caravella and his wife, Kristine of Scituate; brothers, Lindley Candelet and wife, Tracy of Mystic, CT and George Candelet and wife, Lisa of Pittsfield; sisters-in-law, Lynn Candelet of North Attleboro, Louise Candelet of Fort Myers, FL and Marie Carbone of Leominster; godchildren, Kathleen Taylor of Westminster, Anne Hickey of Stuttgart, Germany, and Kelly Candelet of Mystic, CT.  whom he considered daughters; and friend, Lori Brodeur of Fitchburg. Gary also cherished his nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers Ronald Candelet and Robert Candelet.

The family would like to thank the employees at The Highlands, especially the second floor nurses, staff and hospice personnel, who attended to Gary over the last 16 months.

Funeral Services will be held at Brandon Funeral Home on Sunday, May 5, 2024, with visitation from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M, followed by a prayer service. Burial will take place at St. Bernard’s Cemetery on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 10:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on line to CFNCM (Community Foundation North Central Massachusetts) for the Monty Tech Foundation Fund in honor of Gary:

Monty Tech Foundation/CFNCM
649 John Fitch Highway
Fitchburg, MA 01420

Arrangements are under the care of Brandon Funeral Home.
Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.