Joseph L. Sanchez

August 24, 1955 – March 13, 2021

Joseph L. Sanchez (AKA, Sir Joey) passed peacefully at home on March

13, 2021 after a courageous battle against lung and brain cancer. And while he fought until the very end, Joey maintained his positive outlook and tremendous sense of humor. He was born and raised in Old Town by Margaret and Elfego Sanchez, alongside his 5 brothers and sisters. Joey was scheduled to retire from the City of Albuquerque this summer to enjoy the remainder of his days living between Albuquerque and Los Angeles with his wife and family. He was a lover of sports with many trophies in recognition of his talents in softball and football. It was always “Steeler Time” in the Sanchez household, and he never missed an L.A. Dodgers game. In addition to sports, Joey loved playing jokes on his family and traveling to Los Angeles with his wife to visit their daughter, where they caught the occasional Dodgers game in person. His personality was larger than life, and he truly made everyone feel loved and accepted for who they were – a value instilled in him by his mother.

He is survived by his wife, Mona Sanchez, eldest daughter and her husband, Regina and Johnny Giddings, middle daughter and her partner, Carissa Sanchez and Richmond McMurray, youngest daughter, Patrice Sanchez, his grandchildren, Carlos, Josslyn, Isaiah, Hailey, Isabella, Richmond II, greatgranddaughter, Aalyna, his 3 older sisters and their husbands, Gloria and Alfred Martinez, Arlene and Charles Olona, and Jeanette and Antonio Brito, his sisters and brothers inlaw, Deborah, Geraldine, Tina, Deanna, Angelo, Bruce, and Tomas, numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He is also survived by the many friends and colleagues who became extended family members.

Joey’s family and friends are invited to San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church on April 13, 2021 at 10:00am for his Rosary and memorial service. It will also be livestreamed at sanfeliped eneri.org for those not able to attend in person. A celebration of Joey’s life will be hosted on June 26, 2021 when public gatherings are less restrictive – more details to come from the family soon. And as Joey would say, “for life, forever, toge ther.”