Raymond Sanchez

It is with deep sadness that the family of Raymond Sanchez announces his passing on December 21, 2024. Ray was born to Sostén and Veronica Mora Sanchez in Chilili NM on August 7, 1933, and raised on a ranch by his grandparents, Aniseto and Sara Sanchez. He lived a long and varied life of 91 years. He spent his early childhood years in Chilili until he moved to Martinez Town in Albuquerque where he later met his wife of 69 years, Mary Jean.

 Following their marriage, Ray and Mary Jean moved to San Diego where they started their family, and Ray joined the United States Navy where he progressed through the ranks and graduated from the Naval Corpsman Medical School. Following his four-year service in the Navy, they returned to Albuquerque where Ray joined the Albuquerque Fire Department eventually achieving the position of Lieutenant at Station Two. During his 28-year tenure with the Fire Department he completed the necessary schooling and earned the position as one of the first paramedics in the Department. Being the tenacious, hardworking man that he was, he retired from the Fire Department, but not from working. Instead, he went on to work in the private sector for a local title company. When Ray ended his employment in the private sector, one of his most important and impactful jobs began -- providing day care for his grandchildren . As the director of Camp Tata, he provided school drop off and pick up, meals, activities and daily swimming during the summer months. Over the years Ray's grandchildren spent quality time with their Tata and are beyond fortunate to have those memories to cherish. He was a devoted husband and father who was generous, kind and instrumental in raising his beautiful family. He quietly exemplified what it means to be a man of good character.

 Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jean, just over a year ago. Since her passing, he yearned to join her again and now has made that much anticipated trip home. Ray is survived by his children; Patricia Sanchez (husband, Bob), Cindy Knott, Liz Sanchez, Ron Sanchez (wife, Lydia), Don Sanchez (wife, Dianna); special friend, Maureen Janeluwicz; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; sister, Gloria Ann Fitzgerald; brother, Pete Gonzales; and numerous extended family members and friends.

Ray's passing leaves us with a tremendous void, a void that we can only hope to fill with the endless good memories we have of him. May he forever rest in peace.

A rosary will take place at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at St. Charles Borromeo Church, with mass to follow at 10:45 a.m. Interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery following the service.

 In lieu of flowers, please donate to St Charles Borromeo Church, 1818 Coal Place SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106.