Gilbert Sanchez

SANCHEZ, Gilbert R. Gilbert R. Sanchez, age 73, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque who grew up in the community of Barelas, died Friday, November 14, 2014. He was a devoted husband and father and is survived by his wife of 46 years, Anita L. Sanchez; sons, Michael G. Sanchez and wife, Angela, Anthony Sanchez and Kathy and her kids, Daniel Sanchez and wife, Valerie, and Joseph Sanchez and Sharon Turano; grandchildren, Steven, Christina, Corina, Arianna, Elena, Luis, Isaac, Elijah, Madison, and Angelina, great-grandchildren, Serenity, Aria, and Serina; sisters, Loretta Lopez, Mercy Gurule and husband Jake, Valentina Ruland and husband Joe, Mary Grossette, Josie Gonzales, and Gloria Sanchez; Sisters-in-law, Evelyn Dominguez, Viola Baca and husband, Joe Morrison, Celia Martinez, Frances Parks, and Becky Tipton and husband Harry; two brothers-in-law, Sam Vivian and wife, Dottie, and Larry Vivian and wife, Donna; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Premitivo and Margarita Sanchez. Gilbert was born in 1941 in Belen, New Mexico and served in the US Marine Corps from 1966-1969 as part of the First Battalion Third Marines Alpha Company. He served in the Battle of Con Thien, Operation Hickory where he was wounded and received two Purple Hearts. Medals also awarded include Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, and a National Defense Service Medal. Gilbert worked for many years as a dispatcher and retired from APS. He was a member of the VFW, Post 99, and PVA. Gilbert never met a stranger and always felt comfortable in any setting. He loved to meet people and listen to music, watch boxing and surround himself with family and friends. Gilbert will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A Rosary will be held Wednesday, November 19, 2014, at 7:00 pm at St. Jude Thaddeus, 5712 Paradise Blvd. NW with a Memorial Mass to be held on Friday, November 21, 2014, 10:00 a.m. at St. Jude Thaddeus with interment to follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Anthony Sanchez, Daniel Sanchez, Elijah Perea, Isaac Sanchez, Joseph Sanchez, Luis Sanchez, Michael Sanchez and Steven Sanchez. Honorary Pallbearers are Ben Martinez, Sr., Fermin Lujan, Harry Tipton, Kenny Castillo and Steven Gonzales. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in Gilbert's name to All Faiths Receiving Home, 1709 Moon St. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112-3973. Please visit our online guestbook for Gilbert at FRENCH - Westside 9300 Golf Course Rd NW 505-897-0300