YOUNGSTOWN… Funeral services will be held on Tuesday February 13, 2024 at 11am in the Wasko Funeral Home with Pastor Rolando Rojas, officiating for Candido Cartagena Sr., age 87 who passed away at his home on Wednesday February 7, 2024.

He was born December 1, 1936 in Cayey, Puerto Rico and was a son of Demetrio and Mercedes (Cortijo) Cartagena. He came to the Youngstown area from Puerto Rico in 1964.

Candido worked for many years as a Rust Proofer with Inglis Undercoating. Following his retirement in the late 1980's he began working as a janitor at OCCHA in Youngstown.

He attended the Church of God Inc., on Himrod Avenue.

Candido enjoyed playing his guitar, reading and writing poetry, spending time with his family and helping others. Candido will always be remembered as a selfless giver, helping many in the community over the years.

He is survived by his loving children his son Candido (Meneina) Cartagena Jr., of Youngstown, his daughters Doris (Eliud) Santiago and Becky Shelton both of Tennessee. He also leaves his 16 grandchildren Felix Salas, Kayla Cartagena, Marlio Salas, Jaylin Cartagena, Candido Cartagena III, Samuel Cartagena, Isaiah Velez, Marquel Scott, Sarah Rojas, Eliud Santiago Jr., Carani Figueroa, Felix Cartagena, Natasha Shelton, Maurice Shelton Jr., Donald Tucker II and Mercedes Tucker. He is also survived by his 15 great-grandchildren.

Candido was preceded in death by his parents, his granddaughter Mi'Cielo and six sisters.

The Cartagena family has entrusted their fathers care to the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell, where family and friends may call Tuesday February 13, 2024 from 10-11 am with funeral services to follow at 11am.

Candido will be laid to rest at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Lowellville.

Please visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and to leave condolences with the family.