With peaceful hearts, we share the passing of our beloved husband & father, Antonio Sanchez, Jr. (Tony), who departed his earthly life on November 18, 2025 at the age of 90. He was born on February 19, 1935 in Corpus Christi, Texas to Antonio V. and Isabella Sanchez. Tony was preceded in death by his parents and two of his four sisters, Beatrice Barrera and Alicia Sanchez.
Tony was a devoted and loving husband to his wife, Hilda (Garcia), with whom he shared a loving 69-year marriage. He was a proud and loving father to Charles (Norma), Victoria Jarnagin (Randall), Susan Farris (Wesley), Denise Pickett (Wendall) and a beloved grandfather and great grandfather.
A 1953 graduate of Roy Miller High School, Tony was an accomplished trumpet player both earning honors and serving as President of the Buccaneer Band. Because of his talents, a highlight of his musical journey was being singled out to play an evening with the renowned musical composer and musician, Luis Alcaraz y Su Orquestra. Tony also played with both the Ralph Galvan and Rey Barrera Orchestras at various dances and events into his early years of marriage.
A man of faith, integrity and kindness, Tony retired twice—first from the U.S. Postal Service, serving as a supervisor, station manager and Postmaster (32 years) and then as a Nueces County Court Clerk (10 years)—both careers he served with dedication and passion. He was known for his leadership, commitment and fairness. Beyond his career, he was an avid Dallas Cowboy and Texas Rangers fan attending numerous football and baseball games. Tony and Hilda also traveled—to Italy, Mexico, Canada, the Bahamas, and many states—enjoying family events, scenic tours, fall foliage, hot air balloon rides and stunning sunrises and sunsets. Many of their fondest memories also involved summers on the Frio River.
Tony is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Hilda; sisters, Delia Villarreal (Adelino) and Cynthia Gonzalez (+ Polo); brother-in-law, Ernesto Barrera; four children; 16 grandchildren (Andrea, Tonie and Zoe; Janet, Lauren, Ryan and Lee; Alejandro, Kayla, Brent, Dylan, Lysha and Makale; Cyan, Christopher and Aaron); 20 great-grandchildren and numerous loving nieces and nephews.
Daddy, Uncle Tony, Popo, all as he was affectionately known, will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. Among other things, his beautiful smile, keen sense of style, genuine love and concern for family, and undeniable sense of humor will be missing in all our days ahead. Funeral services will be held at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church on Friday, November 28th with visitation beginning at 9 a.m., followed by 10 a.m. rosary,10:30 a.m. Mass and 11:30 a.m. interment at Memory Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Tony’s honor to Most Precious Blood Catholic Church or any local organization of your choosing.
