Deacon Wilfredg. Sanchez

Deacon Wilfred Gabriel Sanchez, Sr.

Was born in Alamosa, Colorado on February 1, 1932, youngest of four, to Louisa (Lucy) Gonzales and Silverio Sebastian Sanchez. He was baptized February 14, 1932 at Sacred Heart Church, Alamosa. His family moved to Denver in 1943. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School grades 6-8 and graduated from Annunciation High School in 1950.

Wil served in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Korean War aboard the U.S.S. Oriskany, an aircraft carrier of the Pacific Fleet, and the US Navy Reserve for four years. He worked for the US Postal Service as a Letter Carrier and retired in 1996 with 44 years of service.

As a young man, Wil liked to dance. In 1957, he married Herminia Chavez of Denver. On June 8th 2011 they celebrated 54 years of marriage. Together they raised eight children, all of whom are college graduates, a great source of pride to them. He is survived by his lovely wife Herminia, sister Gloria Garcia of Denver, eight children: daughters Jeanette Sanchez and Susie Esparza of Denver, Bobbi Sanchez of Evergreen; and sons Wilfred Jr. of San Antonio, TX, Anthony and Stephen of San Diego, CA, Philip of Glen Allen, VA, and Christopher of Denver. Wilfred and Herminia have 17 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Silverio and Paul Sanchez, and his grandson Anthony Sanchez.

In 1977, Wilfred was ordained a Deacon of the Catholic Church. He served at Presentation of Our Lady and St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parishes in West Denver. Most recently, in 1997 he was assigned to St. Mary Magdalene Church in Denver, until he retired from the Diaconate in 2007. He ministered to the old and sick, offering communion and scripture. He was fond of the many baptisms that he performed.

Having a natural long, white beard and glasses, he loved to play Santa Claus at nursing homes, senior centers, schools and private parties. Wilfred was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was active in the Catholic Boys Scouts of America and was awarded the St. George Award by Bishop James Casey.

He was proud of his service to our country, to the Catholic Church and various communities in West Denver. In his senior years, his great joy was to spend time with his large family. He died on October 22, 2011 and now resides with our Lord Jesus.

In lieu of flowers, Deacon Wil requested that donations be sent to Lalmba Association, 7685 Quartz Street, Arvada,CO 80214. www.lalmba.org.