Jesus A. Sanchez

Jesus was born to Eliecer and Anita (Suarez) Sanchez on April 13, 1933, in Guacheta, Cundinamarca, Colombia. He was the beloved husband of Maria Inez (Ronchaquira) Sanchez for 62 years, loving father of Freddy Sanchez (b. 9/14/1957 – d. 8/13/2019), William (Angela Patricia) Sanchez, David Sanchez, John Sanchez and Mickey (Michelle) Sanchez. He was the adoring and adored grandfather of Seth and Hope Sanchez. He was also the eldest brother of nine siblings: Jose Sanchez, Celinia (Sanchez) Simbaqueva, Eliecer Sanchez (b. 5/19/1937 – d. 12/31/2011), Cesar Sanchez, Luis Sanchez, Edilberto Sanchez, Fabio Sanchez, Ana Celmira Sanchez, and Jairo Sanchez.

When asked recently what his favorite memory was, he said it was his wedding day. Jesus and Maria spent their honeymoon in sunny Cartagena and ended up staying there for several months, returning to Bogota only because they were expecting their firstborn son. They had many adventures together, including starting entrepreneurial enterprises such as beauty salons and a school for hair styling, where Jesus taught theory and practice. It was through his work as a stylist that he first came to the United States for a beauty competition, and it was his work as a stylist that allowed him to get started in the U.S. while he learned the language.

For most of his life, however, Jesus served as an accountant. He specialized in providing accounting services for those with disabilities. He loved math and found great enjoyment in the practice and methodology of accounting. Having lost hearing in one ear due to a car accident in his youth, Jesus appreciated what it was like to have a handicap. It was in large part through his tireless accounting work that he was able to realize the American dream of moving to the United States, paving the way for family as well; becoming a U.S. citizen; fulfilling the dream of buying a home; and providing his children with a solid education to build a better future. When asked what he was most proud of, this was it. He had a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility to provide for his family.

When asked what the main lesson he learned in life was, he replied, “Faith in Christ.” While he did not attend, church regularly later in life, Jesus was a follower of Christ, and even shared the gospel as a street preacher for a season in his youth, and with inmates when he was in jail after being mistaken for another Jesus Sanchez. His faith in Christ was ignited when his second child, Willie, was pronounced incurably ill by medical doctors and experienced healing through the prayers of a Seventh Day Adventist missionary family. That healing shaped his faith trajectory along with that of his entire family.

Jesus had a tremendous sense of humor and always sought to lift spirits through laughter, whether a quick play on words, a hilarious risqué joke, or an elaborate story. Jesus loved watching, playing, or coaching soccer. One of his teams, which he organized himself, even won a championship. He was also fond of diverse styles of music, whether Colombian vallenatos or classical composers such as Beethoven or Strauss. His definition of happiness: “To be healthy and have the love of family.” By that measure, we celebrate that he lived a rich life indeed.

Calling hours for the wake / visitation are Sunday, October 6, 2019 from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the FREDERICK FUNERAL HOME, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY.

A Funeral Service will take place during the visitation on Sunday October 6 at the FREDERICK FUNERAL HOME, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, at 3 p.m.

The Burial will take place on Monday, October 7. The details are as follows:

Final Visitation before the Burial at FREDERICK FUNERAL HOME at 10 a.m.

Funeral procession from Frederick Funeral Home to Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum, 2030 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY, at 10:30 a.m.

- Arrive at Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum, 2030 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY by 11:30 a.m. and wait for the procession as directed by guard when you give them Jesus Sanchez’s name. If you would like to know where we will be, should you be running late or want to meet at the area, email [email protected] for a map of the location of the burial.