William A Sanchez

William "Bill" A. Sanchez, age 87, a resident of Albuquerque, NM, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 7, 2022. He was born on Wednesday, August 1, 1934, to Nick G. and Helen Gurule Sanchez in Placitas, NM. He was the oldest of eight children.

William lived in Placitas until 1948, attending the 9th grade at Our Lady of Sorrows School in Bernalillo. William attended Menaul School where he excelled as an honor roll student and a star basketball player. He graduated from Menaul in 1952. William attended the UNM for two years before enlisting in the US Air Force. William served for four years as an electronics technician and technical instructor at several air bases in the US. In 1958, William returned to Albuquerque and started a 37-year technical career with Sandia National Laboratory. William retired in 1994, after 41 years of federal service.

William was a musician and a member of the Coronado Club, the Kirtland Officer's Club, the Kirtland NCO Club, and the Solo Club. As a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 49, he supported various programs to assist veterans and their families.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Helen Sanchez; his brother, Gene Sanchez; and his sister, Amelia Costales. He is survived by his sisters, Alyce Chavez (Abel), Lillie Mae Radtke, Lorraine Sanchez; brothers, Robert Sanchez (Erma) and Daniel Sanchez (Janet); along with many nieces and nephews.

William will be cremated laid to rest at Santa Fe National Cemetery. A Memorial Service has not been scheduled due to pandemic concerns. The Sanchez Family would like to thank William's caretaker, Richard Valenzuela. Under Richard's care William was allowed to live the last years of his life at home and on his terms. William was truly blessed to have had Richard's help.