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It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Fred Sanchez, a long-time resident of Mammoth, Arizona. He passed away peacefully on May 10, 2024, at the age of 97. He was born to Federico and Raymunda Sanchez on May 1, 1927, one of 18 children.
The love of his life survives him, his wife of 77 years, Nora, and their 6 children, Daniel (Martha) Sanchez, Michael Sanchez, Rick (Janie) Sanchez, Thomas (Martha) Sanchez, Monica (Manuel) Chavez, and Lupe (Pat) Holman, 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren. His sister, Gloria Gamboni, also survives him. He is preceded in death by his great-granddaughter, Erin Dale.
Despite the hardships of growing up during The Great Depression, Fred spoke fondly of his childhood working on the family farm. These experiences ingrained in him a love of the outdoors and taught him about the importance of family, hard work, cooperation and service to others. He carried and passed on these lessons throughout his life.
At age 18, he left the family farm to join the Army Air Corps and served during WWII. He was stationed in the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. Immediately upon his return to Arizona, he married his high school sweetheart and forever love, Nora Leyva. Soon thereafter, they began their own family, ultimately settling in the Tri-Community area of Mammoth, San Manuel and Oracle, Arizona.
Fred then began his occupation at Magma Copper Company lasting 30 years, working in mining development. He was a strong proponent of the local Mine Mill Union and served for a time as the local chapter President, negotiating safer working conditions and better benefits for the miners. During this time, he built Nora her “forever” dream home from the ground up, with her help and the help of family, and friends.
He served his community, as Councilman and Mayor, for the Town of Mammoth, working toward the betterment of his hometown. Upon his retirement, he and Nora spent their summers as Camp Hosts for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest for over 20 years. During these days, Fred enjoyed many outdoor activities that he loved.
In his Golden Years, he looked forward to visits from all his extended family. He had an amazing memory and told endearing stories about his life. He was intelligent, witty, loving and kind, always putting others’ needs above his own. Throughout his entire life, as an avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting, fishing, horseback riding and hiking.
As his physical health declined, he rarely complained, and his focus continued to be on his loved ones, rather than on himself. Admiration of his many strengths will always be his legacy. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten by those whose lives he touched.
Services will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church in Mammoth, Arizona on May 29, 2024. Viewing will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 9:30 a.m., and Mass at 10 a.m. After Mass, interment will be at Mammoth Valley View Cemetery in the Veterans section. A luncheon will be held in his honor immediately after interment at Blessed Sacrament Hall.
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