Benny Sanchez

Benny Sanchez, (77) of Farmington, NM passed away on April 17, 2024 in his home surrounded by his Wife, daughter, grandchildren and sister. Benny entered the world with spunk and energy to Manuel & Elena Sanchez on October 9th, 1946 in Trujillo, NM. He attended Blanco Elementary and Bloomfield High School as a youngin. He was one of Bloomfield's most talented basketball players of his time and was so proud of getting his BHS letter. He learned his extreme work ethic from his parents on their ranch in Blanco. He told stories of his dad coming in late at night, waking him and scolding him for leaving the shovel full of mud before he put it up. His dad made him get up and head up the mountain in the pitch dark to wash the shovels off and put where they belonged.

After graduating HS, Benny (dad) started working as a boiler make with his late brother in-law, Horacio Vigil. He was truly a jack of all trades and never left things half "done". He spent his adult years working in Construction and his final years of employment he was a Laborers Foreman for the Powerplant. He not only took pride in his work but also in his home and yard, which started out in a small casita. This was not enough for him and his family so he and his wife bought a trailer and he used his talents and skills to add more rooms, remodeling it and making it a home for his family. He not only worked hard, he played hard. He was a feisty man, who liked to drink, fight and was hard on all of us, but we agreed we wouldn't be who we are today, without him. He wasn't only good at building, laying cement, running electrical, working on cars, and landscaping he was also good at sports and taught us kids and grandkids how to be athletes. When he was present, he absolutely loved playing and spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids.

Benny is survived by his loving Wife of 53 years, who has loved him unconditionally from the moment she met him, Eileen Garcia Sanchez, his daughter, April Sanchez, his grandsons Levi Blocker, Tristan Dwinell, his granddaughters, Alexus, Jasmine, Destiny and Aisha Sanchez and his Grandchildren Jada, Banks, Carlos & Gabriel who were his pride and joy. He is also survived by his sisters, Angelica Sanchez, (Annette Sanchez), Aurora Abeyta, Frances Salazar, brothers Henry Sanchez and Dominico Sanchez.

Benny was proceeded in death by his Only Son, Ben Sanchez, his first daughter April Sanchez, his parents Manuel & Elena, his brothers Augustine, Manuelito and his big sister Rosie Archibeque, which I'm sure were waiting on him at Heavens Gates.

Aside from being a workaholic, being wild and crazy full of spit fire, he loved fishing, little league games for Ben, softball games for April and later in life watching his grandkids play sport, cheer and dance. He'd take the kids to the fun factory, ride bikes, motorcycles, shoot hoops, and play with them like he was a kid again.

He enjoyed playing poker, going to dances and going to the casino with his wife Eileen. He loved moms home cooked meals more than anything and loved sitting on the porch taking in the fresh air. His last couple years were hard on him, but we all surrounded him with love, especially his wife. He could not have been more loved by her, since she was 19 years old.

Benny's family will host a funeral service on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024 starting with the praying of the rosary at 9:30 AM, mass following at 10:00 AM, and coming together as one in remembrance of dads life, with a meal together at 11AM in the Parish Center at Sacred Heart Church in Farmington.