Maximiliano Sanchez

Maximilliano Sanchez (Max) age 96, beloved father, passed away May 12, 2021. Max was known for his generosity and business sense.

He is survived by his brother, Eloy Montoya; his children, Louie Sanchez (Tillie) Judy Sanchez, Regina Sanchez, Maria Epifanita Sanchez, Kathy Aldaz (Gilbert), Dr. Lorraine Sanchez (Joseph Gamble), and Bridget Ortega (Aaron). He also leaves many cherished grandchildren Benjamin Sanchez (Heather), Vanessa Christy Santos (Patrick), Jason Aldaz, Dr. Nicolas Gamble, Emily Gamble, Mathew Ortega (Talisa), Max Ortega, Sarah Ortega and great-grandchildren Alexis, and Jayden Santos, Esperanza, Kylie, and Haylie Sanchez, Kye Ortega and Joseph Gutierrez.

Max was born in Tajique, NM on June 16, 1924 to Epifania and Luis Sanchez. He grew up on their ranch in El Pino. His father, Luis, died when he was 6 years old leaving their mother with 4 children, Anita, Max, Candido and Luisa. His mother married Juan de Dios Montoya and the family grew with three more boys, Eloy, Bill, and Benny. At an early age Max helped support his family by cutting wood and bringing it to Albuquerque to sell for $1 a wagon load. At a young age, after many jobs in California and Nevada, after WWII, he returned to Albuquerque. He then met Emma Lucero Saavedra. They were married in 1949. Over the next decades they raised a family of 7 children.

Max was not given the opportunity for a formal education as a child but he was very intelligent and acquired the knowledge he needed to support his family. He invested his money in properties and a successful mobile home park, all the while working as a supervisor at Creamland and then Borden’s dairies until he retired 1989. Max was a family man in a very extended sense of the word.  His family always included uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, many generations of cousins, and his own family which eventually extended to 11 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.

He made friends wherever he went. They then became his friends for life. He will be remembered for his generosity, sympathetic guidance and selfless support to all. He never forgot his friends. He was a man of faith, a devout catholic who remembered people who passed away by dedicating a mass on their behalf on a regular basis. He instilled in his children the importance of an education and hard work and provided the support they needed to pursue their goals and careers. Max was preceded in death by his wife, his mother, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, and 3 grandchildren.

To honor Max’s generosity, donations may be made to the Roadrunner food bank.

Send checks to:  Roadrunner Food Bank, 5840 Office Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, or donate online: https:www.rrfb.org.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 19, 2021, 5:30 p.m. with Rosary to follow at 6:30 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, May 20, 2021, 9:00 a.m. at The Shrine of St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 11401 Indian School Road NE. (Please arrive early as doors will be locked at 9:00 a.m.)  Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.