Gualbert Mercado Sanchez

Born in Mandaue, Cebu, Philippines, Gualbert M. Sanchez (“Bert”) was the son of Colonel Fabian M. Sanchez and Genoveva Y. Mercado. He matriculated at the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in Manila, Philippines, graduating in 1966.

Bert immigrated to the United States in 1968 and was recruited by the U.S. Air Force in 1974. He specialized in Aerospace Medicine, was part of the medical support team on several combat and top secret missions, was Director of Aeromedical Services at several Air Force base hospitals, and retired in 1998 as Command Flight Surgeon with the rank of Colonel. The highlight of his military career was in 1990 when World War II hero General Curtis E. LeMay, known as the father of the Strategic Air Command, pinned on his Colonel’s Eagles.

Bert married his first wife, Marian Keech, and raised two sons, Ramon and James. He married his second wife, Anna Pandula, MD, and raised her son and daughter, Louis and Jane, and their daughter Monika.

Bert played tennis regularly, traveled the world with Anna, and walked the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain three times.

He is survived by his children Louis Pandula, Jane Park, Ramon Sanchez, and Monika Sanchez, his sister, Evelyn Sanchez, as well as seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He is dearly missed by all.

A visitation will be held at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, Mortuary and Crematory, located at 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054, on March 15, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Mass will take place at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 609 Pier View Wy, Oceanside, CA 92054, on March 16, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

The graveside committal will follow at Eternal Hills Mortuary & Crematory at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054, on March 16, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.

A reception will be held at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, Mortuary and Crematory, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054, on March 16, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm.