Mateo Sanchez

Mateo brought immense joy to all his family, friends, and neighbors over the years. He was born on May 16, 2018, to his devoted parents, Rafael Andres and Ana Michelle Sanchez. From his big, bright smile and contagious laugh to his sweet voice and gentle bear hugs, Mateo exuded happiness and delight every day. He loved building with Legos, racing his monster trucks, and watching “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” while drinking a cold cup of chocolate milk every night. Mateo embarked on his first year of school last August and grew tremendously alongside all his wonderful friends. He learned all his lines and songs in preparation for a beautiful graduation this June. On warm spring evenings in our backyard, Mateo always picked flowers for his momma and proudly watched as she tucked them in her hair. He loved working with his dadda in the garage, happy to hold all his tools. The part of the day Mateo enjoyed most was bath time with his sister in a tub filled with bubbles and floating rubber ducks.

On June 26, 2023, our sweet, beautiful boy peacefully passed. Mateo had just celebrated his 5th birthday. He is deeply missed by his adoring parents and his cherished sister, Mila. Mateo is survived by his maternal grandmother, Ana Marie Delgado, as well as his maternal grandfather, Oscar Rivera and Jennie Rivera, his paternal grandmother, Maria Gonzalez and Cruz Gonzalez, and paternal grandfather, Rafael Sanchez and Brenda Sanchez. He leaves behind his aunts and uncles: Oscar Manuel and Sarah Rivera, Aleysha Rivera-Delgado, Riley Keyes, Dylan Keyes, Grace Rivera, Noely and Julio Velez, and Rafael Alejandro and Tina Sanchez. Mateo will also be dearly missed by numerous cousins and extended family who held a special place in his heart.

We ask that you all continue to remember Mateo by being gentle and kind to all. His favorite number was 100! So we, in turn, encourage all of you to live every day to the fullest, just as Mateo did. Hug your loved ones and show kindness to strangers.

Written from our hearts by Michelle and Ralf.

In place of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Connecticut Children's Medical Center Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

A celebration of life for Mateo will be held on Sunday, July 2, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield, CT.