Lorenzo D.C. Sanchez with broken hearts, we announce the passing of a truly remarkable man.

Lorenzo Diego Christino Sanchez, 97, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on September 4, 2026, in Albuquerque, NM. He was born July 24, 1929, in Valencia County, NM, to Diego and Josefina Sanchez.

Lorenzo was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ann Sanchez; his father, Diego Ramon Sanchez; his mother, Josefina Padilla-Sanchez; his brothers, Ambrosio Sanchez, Orlando Sanchez, Gilbert Sanchez, Leonardo "Leo" Sanchez, and Charley (Charlie) Sanchez; and his sisters, Genevieve (Genoveva) Chavez, Teofila Griego, Leonor Armijo, and baby sister Josefina Sanchez.

Lorenzo is survived by: Children: Eugene Sanchez, Joann McNiel & husband Gary, Darlene Chavez, and Sharon Madrid & husband Leonard.

8 Grandchildren: Richard "Ricky" Sanchez & wife Jennifer, Jaime Chicarelli & husband Michael, Juan Diego Chavez & wife Jennifer, Jestene McNiel, Jessica Chavez, Alexis, Joshua and Amoreese Madrid.

6 Great-Grandchildren: Jordan & Anthony Chicarelli, Elliot, Alexander & Emilia Chavez and Scarlet Sanchez.

Lorenzo served 22 years in the U.S. Army, Army Air Corps, and Air Force—spanning World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

He received numerous medals, and awards: Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, the USAF NCO Academy Graduate Ribbon, the United Nations Service medal, and the Guided Missile Insignia.

He retired as a Master Sergeant in 1969 and then built a second 20-year career with the City of Albuquerque Water Utility Department.

A life of service, a legacy of honor—he will forever live in our hearts. Lorenzo was a deeply loving man. His home was always open to friends and family, serving as a welcoming place of warmth, laughter, and hospitality.

Though our hearts are broken by his passing, we are grateful for the extraordinary gift of having had him in our lives. We will forever cherish the memories we made, the lessons he taught us, and the love that connected us. He will be missed more than words can express and will be remembered forever.

Pallbearers:

 Chris Sanchez 

Johnny Chavez 

Juan D. Chavez

Anthony Chicarelli

Joshua Madrid

Richard Sanchez