Sanchez, Manuel

Manuel Sanchez, Age 94, Korean War Army Veteran of Chicago, IL, passed away peacefully at home on August 17, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband for 70 years, of Ophelia “Fally” (nee Venegas). Cherished father of Jesse (Peg) Sanchez, Alan Sanchez, Mario Sanchez, Maria (Daniel Spears) Sanchez; proud grandpa of Joel (Patty) Sanchez and the late Jason Sanchez; loving son of the late Jesus and Lupe Sanchez; dear brother of the late John (Lucia) Sanchez, Gilbert Sanchez, and Lillian “Mona” (Leavie) Catledge. Great grandfather of JJ, Sam, Mia and Joss. He is survived and was loved by many Sanchez and Venegas family members, lifelong friends and former Chicago Board of Education associates. Manuel attended Gage Park High School, graduated from Chicago Teachers College (now known as Chicago State University), received his Master Degree from Loyola University. He taught at the Lawson, and Bryant elementary schools. He was assistant principal at Hammond Elementary school. He became the first Mexican-American principal in the City of Chicago at Komensky elementary school in 1971. He then became principal in 1977 at the Bateman elementary school until retirement in 1990 . He loved sports, especially the Chicago Bulls but mostly his beloved Chicago Bears. He was also proud to attend the first Chicago Cubs World Series game held in Chicago in 71 years. Visitation at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave., Summit, IL, on Monday from 4PM to 8 PM. Visitation on Tuesday at the funeral home from 9:30 AM until time of Celebration of Life Service at 11AM. There will be a private burial at St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Manuel’s name may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children at https://lovetotherescue.org/ or Guiding Eyes for the Blind at https://www.guidingeyes.org/. Please visit Manuel’s personal tribute website at www. foranfuneralhome.com.

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