Christopher M. Sanchez

Sanchez, Christopher M.

Christopher M. Sanchez, age 65, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 17, 2023 in Albuquerque, NM.

Chris was born on November 1, 1957 in Albuquerque to Frank and Dell Sanchez.  He was the youngest of five boys and grew up in the South Valley.  Chris attended Mountain View Elementary, Harrison Middle School and was a proud graduate of Albuquerque High School, class of 1975.  Chris worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital for a short time.  He met and married Yolanda Ortiz (Sanchez) in 1979.  Their daughter Natalie M. Sanchez was born in August of 1980.  Just before Natalie was born, Christopher started working at Mountain Bell phone company as an operator.  He eventually became a telephone repairman with US West and worked with them until he became disabled in the late 1990s.   He was a proud union member of the Communication Workers of America.  He became a grandfather in August of 2014 and loved every single minute of being Zion’s “Popo”. 

Christopher was an avid car collector.  His favorite vehicles were his 1956 Chevy Cameo, 1966 Chevy Impala SS, 1968 Chevy Chevelle SS, 1972 Chevy Chevelle Convertible SS, and of course his first car, the 1954 Chevy.  He spent countless hours working on his cars, restoring them to original condition and polishing them up for car shows.  His pride was winning a trophy at the Denver Super Chevy Nationals for the Cameo.  He enjoyed drag racing and spent a lot of time watching racing in person and more recently on television.

Chris was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis about 30 years ago and Myasthenia Gravis about 10 years ago.  Although MS had taken away his ability to walk and move his body, it never touched his mind.  He was as sharp as a tack and could remember things that happened years ago.  He battled both of these diseases until the very end and gave it his all.  As much pain as he was in, he fought every single day until it was time to go.  The night before his passing, he was in good spirits and had us laughing with his jokes and unique sense of humor.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Dell Sanchez and nephew, Ramon “Jojo” Sanchez. He lost many family and friends over the years and made it a point to try to make every single funeral he could to pay his final respects.  He is also preceded in death by Justin Felix, a close family friend, whom he considered the son he never had.   

Chris is survived by his only daughter, Natalie and grandson, Zion Boyer.  He is also survived by his brothers, Anthony Sanchez and wife Ellen, Gary Sanchez and wife Lynn, Frank Sanchez, and Joseph Sanchez and wife Irene.  He is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. He also leaves behind his caretakers that meant so very much to him, Mila Padilla and Anthony Everage.

Pallbearers will be Anthony Sanchez, Jordan Sanchez, Joseph Sanchez, Anthony Kotsios, Erasmo Acosta, Jr., and Brandon Boyer.  Honorary Pallbearer will be Uriah Sanchez.

Chris was a great friend and touched the lives of so many.  He knew someone everywhere he went. He was a great listener and gave great advice.  All of his family and friends will miss his generous spirit, his ability to make anyone laugh, and the compassion he had for all.

The services for Christopher will be carried out through Garcia Mortuary.  On Monday, February 27, 2023 the evening services will be held at Strong Thorne Mortuary at 1100 Coal Ave. SE.  The viewing will begin at 5:00 pm with a rosary to be recited at 6:00 pm.  On Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at 10:00 am a funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Church at 820 Broadway Blvd. SE.  A burial procession will immediately follow to Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery where Chris will be laid to rest.  The family will host a reception after the burial at the St. Francis Xavier Parish Hall.

Services have been entrusted to:

Garcia Mortuary

717 Stover Ave. SW

Albuquerque, NM 87102

505-243-5222