Rudolph Sanchez, Sr.

Rudolph H. Sanchez Sr., born May 15, 1929 in San Antonio, passed away September 10, 2002 after a valiant three-year battle against cancer. Rudy was the son of Emilio and Aurora Sanchez. He learned his work ethics early from his Dad who was a master carpenter. Rudy and his brother Armand sold sodas to the workers building Alamo Stadium. He later had a paper route and worked at the soda fountain at Laurel Heights Pharmacy. His childhood was spent at the Brackenridge swimming pool, sometimes while chasing away water moccasins. In high school, he was an all-around athlete and enjoyed having fun with his friends playing at the Sunken Gardens and San Antonio Zoo. He worked part-time during his senior year in high school at Alamo Body Works. He gave four years of service to the United States Air Force. He joined the Kelly AFB fire department and rose through the ranks from fire fighter to fire chief. His thirty years with the Department of Air Force at Kelly won him numerous superior and outstanding recognitions of his "Faithful Federal Service." He retired in 1979. After retirement, he continued working as a real estate investor. He had great satisfaction in maintaining his properties. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Businessmen's Golf and San Antonio Seniors Golf Associations. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and family. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Louise Barragan Sanchez, son Rudy Sanchez Jr. and daughter-in-law Rebecca; daughter Lorraine Blancarte and son-in-law Ralph; daughter Carol Salas; son Richard Sanchez; son Roland Sanchez and daughter-in-law Mary Rose; grandchildren Veronica and Jason Leos; Stefan Blancarte; Christopher and Lauren Sanchez, great-grandchildren Elysia and Sabian Leos. His parents, Emilio and Aurora Sanchez, brother Emilio Sanchez, and sister Irma Bonanno preceded him in death. Surviving siblings include Armando Sanchez, Olga Martel, Stella Marlin, Gloria Long, Gilbert Sanchez and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Extended family includes Mariana Gurrola, Stella Sanchez, Augustin and Josie Barragan, Jesse and Rosie Guerrero, Vincent Bonanno, Mary Muzkiz and Jones Marlin. Many thanks to Dr. Jesse Medellin and his staff, Dr. David A. Guerrero, Baptist Hospital Oncology staff and Select Specialty Hospital personnel. Special thanks for all of your prayers. Father Cayet N. Mangiaracina will celebrate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Ann's Catholic Church.