It was in Cedral, where Antonio met and married Sofia Alvarado Sanchez. Together they began an incredible journey in pursuit of the American dream, a dream that would shape their lives and the lives of their children. Antonio legally immigrated to the United States in 1953, and Sofia joined him three years later. They built a life and family together having three children: Antonio, Mary and Rosie. Antonio and family established their home in Phoenix, Arizona. His craftsmanship was recognized at B bar K Silversmiths, where he hand-engraved trophy belt buckles and western jewelry for rodeos throughout the U.S and Canada.
He embodied the essence of being a husband, father, grandfather and friend. He lived a life devoted to raising and nurturing his family. He had a passion for gardening as seen in his backyard oasis for all to delight in its beauty, bounty and serenity. He enjoyed sports, from cheering on his grandkids during soccer games, to watching the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns and boxing on T.V. He especially enjoyed going to the Arizona Diamondbacks games with family. He was a humble man with a playful sense of humor but with a fighting spirit. He faced life’s challenges with determination and resilience. He will be deeply missed but his legacy will continue through the generations.
Antonio was predeceased by his wife Sofia, parents and sister Zenaida.
He is survived by his children; Antonio Sanchez and daughter-in-law Yolanda, Mary Sanchez (Jerry Bowman), and Rosie Harrid and son-in-law Frederick. His grandchildren Shorei Sheen (great-grandchildren; Estefan, Emilio and Monique), Antonio Sanchez, Andres Sanchez and wife Wendy (great-grandchildren Mariah Vargas (Isaac) and great-great-granddaughter Rosalyn, Annalyse and Jaxson), Sara Kasper and husband Brad (great-grandchildren Sofia and Helen), Scott “Moose” Sheen (great-grandchild Rylee Mayes), Angelica McAllister and husband Cameron (great-grandchildren Alivia and Maisie), Ernie Moran (great-grandchild Declan), Adam Moran.
A visitation for Antonio will be held Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 320 N 20th Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85009. A funeral service will occur Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 320 N 20th Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85009. A graveside service will occur Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 11:15 AM to 11:45 AM at Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary, 719 North 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009.
Serving as pallbearers are Antonio A. Sanchez II, Andres M. Sanchez, Moose Sheen, Emilio S. Sheen, Estevan S. Sheen, Ernie L. Moran, Adam A. Moran and Brad Kasper .
