Gilbert Sanchez, Jr.

GILBERT “Bemish” SANCHEZ, JR., 68, a longtime parishioner of San Juan Catholic Church and resident of Los Luceros passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, January 24, 2020 after a yearlong battle with cancer.  He was blessed to pass with his family and friends at his side. He was born January 14, 1952 to Gilbert and Theresa Sanchez of Espanola.  Gilbert was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert V. Sanchez; his brothers, Simon and Robert Sanchez; niece, Janelle Esparza; in-laws, Miguel and Trinnie Sanchez; brothers-in-law, Gregory and Pat Sanchez, and Danny Trujillo and his dear friend, Eugene Garcia.  Gilbert was a retired administrator from the Espanola Public Schools and previously was a salesman for GM products in the Espanola Valley. He loved listening to live music with his many friends and family and was an avid Denver Broncos fan.  He was a loving husband, father, son, grandfather, and brother.  Gilbert was married in 1971 to Mary A. Sanchez of El Guique.  Together they raised two children, Rodney and Kimberly. Gilbert was a man of catholic faith and loved to visit El Santuario de Chimayo regularly. We will always remember his fun-loving spirit and enjoyment of life.  Thank you to the many friends and family from all over the US who very frequently called and visited Gilbert during his illness.  He cherished his friends and family above all.  Gilbert is survived by his wife, Mary; his mother, Theresa Sanchez of Espanola; his aunt, Josie Ramirez of Trinidad (CO); his son, Rodney and family Yolanda, Thalia, Felize and Benicio of Corrales; his daughter, Kimberly and family Roberto, Alleyna, and Letizia of Albuquerque; sisters, Charlene and James (Jim) of La Mesilla and Virginia and James of Albuquerque; brothers and sisters-in-law, Miguel, Leroy and Peter of El Guique, Irene and David of Medanales, Clyde and Shirley of La Mesilla, Juanita of El Llano, and Barbara of La Mesilla; among his countless friends this core group started as neighbors in the La Joya/Santo Nino area (others were added later) but they never strayed far from each other’s side in the good times and in sad times, Olga, Gus and Phyllis, Joe and Margaret, and Pancho and Yolanda. Gilbert was blessed and is survived by his God-children, Mardelle, Victor, Fernando, Mark, Leonard and, Jayden; many other nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.  Public Visitation will begin Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Canada, with a rosary to be recited at 4:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 31, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ohkay Owingeh, with a burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Santa Cruz . The family would like to extend our sincerest gratitude for all family and friends who actively and regularly cared for Gilbert and prayed for and with him. The family of Gilbert Sanchez, Jr. has entrusted their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477-www.devargasfuneral.com