Cruz Diquino Sanchez was born January 23, 1938, in Trinidad, Colorado to parents Jose and Esther Sanchez. Their family moved to Fresno, California in the late 1940’s. At a young age of 17, Cruz graduated from Edison High School, then enlisted and served in the United States Army. He served as a paratrooper in the Korean War for several years. After his military service, Cruz worked as an Air Conditioning Refrigeration Mechanic at Mammoth Diesel in Fresno. He was a talented mechanic, who had a love for cars.
In 1983 he married the love of his life Mary Frances and was a stepfather to Joseph Eric and Bridget Nadine, “Papa” to Brittney and husband Ryan, Christopher and wife Arlene, and Arianna. Great “Papa” to Tinley, Kash, Kane, Clara and Lucia. He had 11 Godchildren and many nieces & nephews, all of whom he loved and cared for as his own children.
Cruz & Mary resided in Fresno for many years, Denver, Colorado for several years, before finally settling in Clovis, Ca., where they shared their forever home. For 45 years, Cruz & Mary lived their life together, as a loving husband & wife, who cared deeply for one another.
He was a proud Edison Alumni and Veteran, who made many friends throughout the years and enjoyed attending the Edison Alumni luncheons.
Cruz passed on January 24, 2026, he had just turned 88 years old.
Cruz had seven siblings and is preceded in death by his parents Jose and Esther Sanchez, sisters Lydia and Louise, brothers Tom and Tommy and stepson Joseph Eric. He is survived by his wife Mary Frances, stepdaughter Bridget Nadine and his three siblings.
