MANUEL JUAN SANCHEZ
Age 95, a long-time resident of Albuquerque, went to be with the Lord on July 10, 2012. He was born in Ocate, New Mexico, Mora County to Pedro O. Sanchez and Filomena Duran Sanchez. Manuel was a hard worker and thoroughly enjoyed being outdoors. One of his first jobs was working as a ranch hand at the Diamond A Cattle Ranch. After working there he enlisted in the Navy where he served his country from 1942 to December 1945 during World War II. He was on the USS Idaho which he was very proud of and loved to tell stories about his travels and being abroad at sea. Finally, Manuel worked in construction as a concrete foreman with C H Lovell and then retiring from Bill Carroll Construction after 37 years. He lived a very full life and was very grateful for his blessings until the very end. He is survived by his three children, daughters, Priscilla A. Bolton and husband, Gene, of Filer, ID, Dolores A. Freeze and husband, Brent of Albuquerque; son, Andrew C. Sanchez and wife, Nicole of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Deanna Pierson and husband, Jacob of Plano, TX, Rayleen Merayo, Haylie Sanchez, Derek Sanchez, Cade Freeze and Macy Freeze all of Albuquerque. He is also survived by two loving great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Jaxon Pierson of Plano, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Maclovia Sanchez. Manuel was a very devoted member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church at 1860 Griegos Rd. NW where a rosary will be held on Monday, July 16 at 8:00 a.m. Immediately following the rosary, a Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. He will then be taken to his final resting place at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Alex Garcia, Sam Rivera, Chris Sanchez, Eddie Vigil, Henry Vigil, and Eddie Gallegos. Honorary pallbearer will be Gabe Marquez. The family wishes to thank the entire staff at Beehive Chessman in Rio Rancho for their wonderful care given to Dad over the last few months. We would also like to thank all the members of Dad's team from Vista Care Hospice who so graciously cared for and supported him his last few months of life. You all truly made him feel so special and we are eternally grateful.