Nick Ferrer Sanchez

Nick Sanchez, beloved husband, father, uncle, cousin, godfather, and friend, passed away on September 17, 2026, in Lemoore, California, at the age of 81. Born on July 17, 1945, in Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines, Nick lived a life filled with family, friends, and countless friends that became his family.

Nick grew up in Banalo, Bacoor, Cavite, the ninth of ten children born to Pedro Sanchez and Marcelina Ferrer. He joked that his shorter stature was the result of being commanded to carry his baby brother, Cesar, everywhere. (While Nick grew to 5 feet, 6 inches, Cesar towered to 5 feet, 11 inches. But what Nick lacked in height, he more than made up for in warmth, personality, and a presence that could fill an entire room. With his loud, booming voice and his generous spirit, Nick made people welcome, made them laugh, and made every gathering feel a little more special.

Nick first met the love of his life, Mona, when they were children. She spent a summer in Bacoor after her older brother married Nick’s older sister. After a childhood friendship, Nick and Mona married in 1971 and moved to the US.

In 1965, Nick joined the United States Navy, beginning a chapter of service that would shape much of his life. While deployed aboard an aircraft carrier, he worked in the supply room and kitchen—experiences that would later find their way into the meals he prepared for family and friends. His Navy career brought him to Naval Air Station Lemoore where he formed lasting friendships with many of his beloved kompadres, including Art, Leslie, and Tony.

While stationed in Alameda in 1972, Nick and Mona welcomed their first son, Allen. Later, Nick transferred to Moffett Field, and the family made their home in Milpitas, California. In 1984, they welcomed their daughter, Mercy Joy, completing their family. Nick continued his career after the Navy, working at GE, Martin Marietta, Lockheed Martin and Onitzuka Air Force Base before eventually retiring. In 2013, Nick and Mona moved permanently to their dream retirement home, returning to Lemoore.

If there was one place where Nick’s love could always be found, it was in his home and his kitchen. Nick was an amazing cook, and food was one of the greatest ways he expressed his affection. He was often found at a party wearing an apron. He enjoyed putting time and effort into feeding the people he loved. Many enjoyed meals in the house on Badgerwood, enjoying chicken barbecue and giant, catering sized pots of ulam. Nick and Mona always had something delicious to share even for the most casual of visits to their home. We all enjoyed his famous roast beef, stuffing, kaldereta, and on the most special of occasions, his baked Alaska.

Food was only one part of the joy Nick brought to a gathering. He loved listening to music, and singing music with a Magic Mic. His booming voice was as much a part of the celebration as the food on the table. He enjoyed the company of family and friends and had a gift for bringing people together over a summer barbecue, a birthday celebration, holiday gathering, or a reunion.

His love for family and community extended far beyond his immediate household. Nick was a ninong sa kasal to countless couples and to countless godchildren throughout the years. He embraced these roles with the same generosity and affection he brought to every other relationship in his life. He enjoyed his lifelong friends made through the US Navy and the Masons.

Retirement brought Nick and Mona the opportunity to settle into their dream home in Lemoore, where they continued to enjoy visits from the people who meant so much to them. In 2016, Nick suffered a stroke that became one of the major challenges of his later years. Although it limited his mobility, it never diminished the importance of the people around him. He continued to enjoy visits from his beloved family and friends, especially his grandchildren, whose presence brought him tremendous joy.

Nick was preceded in death by his parents, Pedro Sanchez and Marcelina Ferrer, and his siblings: Manuel Sanchez, Alejandra Conanan, Benjamin Sanchez, Estelita Sanchez, Loida Sanchez, Dosi Tennant, Romeo “Romy” Sanchez, Felucia Carmen, and Cesar Sanchez.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ramona “Mona” Sanchez (Conanan); his son, Allen; his daughter, Mercy Joy, and her husband, Randy Ung; and his cherished grandchildren, Riley and Jackson Ung. He also leaves behind dozens of Sanchez and Conanan nieces and nephews, Sanchez and Bernardo cousins, many godchildren and inaanaks sa kasal, and so many dear friends whose lives were enriched by his presence.

Nick gave so much of himself to the people he loved. In return, he leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will forever be grateful for the love, (loud) laughter, and abundance he brought into their lives. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.