Anacleto Sanchez

Cliff grew up in the small town of Guadalupe, California. He was the third youngest of ten siblings, Henry, David, Nellie (Ramos), Jimmy, Roger, Herbert, Anacleto (born before Cliff and passed away before age 2), Robert and Herman. Cliff served in the U.S. Military as did all of his brothers. He went through bootcamp the summer between his Junior and Senior year of High School in 1960. He graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1961, and a year later started his military service. He served eight years in the U.S. Navy as a data systems technician.

Cliff met the love of his life, Rosaura "Rosie" Rivera in 1967 at a New Year’s Eve dance while on leave. Cliff and Rosie fell in love and were married within a year. Their first child, Virginia "Gina" L. (Robertson), was born in 1969. Rosie had stayed in Colton until five weeks after Gina was born, when they both embarked on the 13-hour flight to Sasebo, Japan, to be with Cliff. When Cliff’s enlistment ended, they moved back to Colton and later settled in Rialto where they had two more children, Patricia Ann (1972), who passed away days after birth, and Clifford John (1973).

After leaving the Navy, Cliff became a meat cutter for Safeway like his brothers, Robert and Herman. In 1974 Cliff became a Deputy Sheriff for San Bernardino County, where he served his community for 29 years. Cliff was known as someone that said what was on his mind and held no punches. He was also a talker and could keep you captive for hours telling you all his stories. Cliff and Rosie were married for 53 years before she was called to be with the Lord in 2021.

Cliff was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed working as a DIY electrician (skills he learned in the Navy) and helped many family members and friends when they were in need. He would drop whatever he was doing to help others when called upon. He was always just a phone call away.

He is survived by his two children, ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild, as well as three brothers, Henry, Jimmy, and Herman and many extended family members and friends. He will truly be missed.

A funeral service for Anacleto will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at All Souls Mausoleum, 3510 E Washington St, Colton, CA 92324. A committal service will occur Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Montecito Memorial Park, 3520 E Washington St, Colton, CA 92324. A reception will occur Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Valley View Reception Room, 3520 E Washington St, Colton, CA 92324.