Jose Bernardino Sanchez

Jose Bernardino Sanchez was born on Oct. 2, 1943, in Llano Largo, New Mexico to Manuelita and Nicomedes Sanchez. Together they had 8 sons. Jose or Ben (As we all called him) was the second to the oldest. The oldest was his brother Elmer followed by Ben and his brothers Nick, Manuel, Ed, Joe, Max and Jerry. Later Manuelita gave him his only sister Diana and Nicomedes gave him a brother John.

He graduated from Penasco High School and started college at Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Ben came to Colorado in 1963 as a transfer student to the University of Colorado Boulder. His first job was at C.U. as a student employee working in facilities management. He accepted a full-time position with them in 1965. After a major re-organization at facilities management in 1983, Ben transferred to the Housing Department and was promoted to Director of Grounds operations. In 1995 he was also appointed as the Director of Housekeeping Operations combining both departments and directing a staff of over 6 managers and 130 employees. After 37 years he retired from the University of Colorado Boulder in the year 2000.

In 1963, Ben met the love of his life, Gladys Martinez at a Valentine’s dance in Welby, Colorado. After dating for 6 months Ben asked Gladys to marry him. They were engaged and married on May 1, 1965. 18 months later they welcomed their son, Joseph Patrick Sanchez, who was born in August of 1966. Almost 6 years later they had their daughter, Joley Anjanette Sanchez, born in May 1972.

Ben & Gladys’s first Grandchild Janaye Herrera was born in 1993 followed by Grandsons Daniel Herrera and Adam Sanchez born in 1996.

In May of 2002 Ben & Gladys’s son Joseph married Jessica Griego and gave them twin Grandson’s Aidan and Jonah Sanchez born in May of 2006. In May of 2007 their daughter Joley, married Emilio Gutierrez Jr. Joley and Emilio blended their families and gave Ben & Gladys 3 additional Grandchildren. Savannah and twins Emilio III and Anthony Gutierrez. On July 11, 2012, Ben & Gladys’s youngest granddaughter was born. Layla Sophia Gutierrez.

In August of 2024, Grandson Anthony Gutierrez gave Ben & Gladys their first great-granddaughter Nazeya Gutierrez followed by Nayalia Gutierrez, born in December of 2025. In February of 2026, their granddaughter Savannah Gutierrez gave them their youngest great granddaughter, Jalianna Guecera.

Our Dad’s Legacy is us, his family. He is in every hug, kiss, conversation and decision. We are who we are because of him. Our Dad was loved by many. He loved his brothers and sister dearly and adored his many nieces and nephews. Many remember Uncle Ben making big pancake breakfasts that not only filled our bellies but filled our hearts. Our Dad was the greatest Papo. He adored and loved his grandchildren always helping shuttle them to school and being there for all games, performances and school functions. We are going to miss him tremendously. His lessons, values and love will live on through us and his grandchildren. Goodbye Dad. Thank you for everything. Until we meet again.

Our Dad is proceeded in death by his grandparents Macedonio and Epifania Sanchez and Tranquilino and Antonia Lovato, his Father Nicomedes Sanchez, his Mother Manuelita Montoya, his stepfather Cresencio Montoya and his beloved brothers Elmer Sanchez, Joe Sanchez and Jerry Sanchez, his Father in law Casimiro Martinez, his Mother in law Filomena Martinez, his sister in laws Connie Mascarenas, Phyllis Gallegos and brother in laws Sam Martinez, Jose Mascarenas and Joseph Medina.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 60 years , Gladys Sanchez , his son Joseph Sanchez his wife Jessica and their son’s Adam, Aidan and Jonah, his daughter Joley Gutierrez her husband Emilio and children Janaye, Daniel, Savannah, Emilio, Anthony, & Layla his great granddaughters Nazeya, Nayalia and Jalianna, his loving brothers Manuel Sanchez and his wife Joann, his brother Nick Sanchez, his brother Ed Sanchez and his wife Evan, his brothers Max and John Sanchez and his sister Diana Medina, sister in laws Florence Sanchez, Epimenia Sanchez, Gina Otero and her husband Narciso, Maria Gropp and her husband Richard, brother in laws Levi Gallegos, Casey Martinez and his wife Priscilla, brother in law Ed Martinez and many nieces and nephews.

Rosary- 4:00pm Wednesday April 15th at Olinger Highland 10201 Grant St. Thornton, CO 80229

Mass- 12:00 pm Thursday April 16th at Holy Cross Catholic Church at 9371 Wigham St. Thornton, CO 80229

Burial- 2:00 pm at Olinger Highland 10201 Grant St. Thornton, CO 80229

Reception- Immediately following the burial at Holy Cross Catholic Church at 9371 Wigham St. Thornton, CO 80229