Raymond Joseph Sanchez

Raymond "Ray" Sanchez, a kind and gentle man, hardworking and generous, and the beloved husband of 35 years to Teresa, passed from this world on September 4, 2022. After a full life of 76 years, rich in the love of family and friends and grounded in his strong Catholic faith, Ray has left us with wonderful memories and a knowing that our lives are forever touched because he was here.

Ray was born in Belen, New Mexico, to parents Martin and Tomasita Sanchez (deceased) and moved to Albuquerque with his five brothers and sisters at age 12. He graduated from Sandia High School and shortly thereafter joined the United States Air Force, serving from 1965-1971, most notably in Korea during the attack and capture of the USS Pueblo. Ray met his future wife, Teresa on the dance floor at the "Caravan East," literally sweeping her off her feet. Clad in their Stetsons and Wranglers, they soon became a weekly fixture at the Caravan, two-stepping or waltzing to the beat of the music and always in unison. Ray and Teresa married in 1987 and Ray became stepfather to young Raymond and Nicole Gallegos and, from that day forward, Ray and Teresa were rarely apart. Between taking care of his new family, which quickly expanded to include his precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren, riding his Harley, teaching his nieces to dance, and following every game of the Dallas Cowboys, Ray found time for a happy and fulfilling 25-year career with the City of Albuquerque Park Management, where he retired in 2006. Ray was one of those neighbors everyone loves. He maintained a beautiful park-like yard with a lush lawn and beautiful trees and flowers and plenty of feeders for the birds. In his neighborhood cul-de-sac, Ray was the self-appointed trash guy, wheeling neighbors' trash bins to and from the curb for pickup every week, rain, or shine. Everyone also knew that Ray was extremely spoiled by Teresa, who always made fresh tortillas and brought him a dish of ice cream every night, as he sat in his recliner watching old John Wayne movies. But it was a two-way street. Ray, in turn, always took care of Teresa and his family, gave the best hugs and, even now, Teresa can feel his loving arms around her-always there and always loving.

Ray is survived by his wife Teresa; stepson Raymond Gallegos (Kitti); stepdaughter Nicole Schmidt; granddaughter Emma Jaramillo; grandsons Raiden Gonzales and Zain Castillo; and great-grandchildren Nevaeh, Charlotte, Vincent, and Luna; and sisters Theresa Halpern and Patricia (Patsy) Dalla; many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. He is predeceased also by brothers Martin Jr., John, and Richard, and sister Sylvia Griego.

A service will be held on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church, with visitation at 9:30 am, rosary at 10:00am, and mass at 10:30am celebrated by Monsignor Bennett J. Voorhies. Pallbearers will be Chris Baca, Mike Espinosa, Aaron Garcia, Joseph Mata, Phillip Tabet and Hank Trujillo. A reception will follow service at the Elks Lodge #461, 2430 Centre Ave., SE.
Interment will be at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date. The family would like to thank Presbyterian Hospice for their kindness and compassion during Ray's final days.