Juan Antonio SANCHEZ

SANCHEZ, Juan Antonio


Juan Antonio Sanchez, 97, passed away on Thursday (January 10, 2013) at the Manchester Manor Nursing Home and assisted care facility. The son of Juan Jose Sanchez and Paulina Diaz he was born in El Ebanos, TX on Sept. 16, 1915. He was the third of 11 children. He now joins his wife Marjorie Louise to whom he was devoted too for 60 years. Juan moved back to Reynosa, Mexico with his family when he was eight and lived there until World War II. Although he spoke only Spanish, he enlisted into the US Army. It was in the Army that he met his wife, while stationed in Manchester as part of the 79th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Command. After their wedding he was deployed to Europe where as a member of the 1159th Engineer Combat group he participated in the Rhineland Campaign and several Campaigns through out central Europe. His citations include a EAME Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon and American Defense Ribbon. While in the service he also perfected his English in both the written and spoken word. After the war he returned to Connecticut where he learned tool and die making, blue print reading, and became a master machinist. The family lived in Plainville for 16 years before moving to Marlborough in 1969. In Marlborough Juan was an active member of the American Legion and was proud to receive a pin for 35 years of continuous service. Juan always enjoyed singing and humming songs from the 1950's and 60's. He had a great sense of humor and loved to entertain others. He was a master at telling funny stories and jokes and performing slight of hand magic tricks. Always inquisitive and eager to learn, he enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and playing word games. His is predeceased by a son Philip Sanchez; by his brother Rufino; and five of his sisters, Elisa, Isabel, Hortensia, Benilda and Susie. He is survived by his three sons Juan Jr. and his wife Diane of Caplin, Robert and his wife Robin of Mendon, MA, Marc and his wife Beth of Manchester; and a daughter Luetta of Epping, NH. Additionally by seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces; he also has four living sisters Irma of McAllen, TX, Virginia, Amalia and Nora all in Mexico. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Manchester Manor for the care they gave both Marjorie and Juan over the years.
A celebration of Juan's life will be held at the Spencer Funeral Home 112 Main St. East Hampton, CT on Tuesday, Jan. 15 with calling hours from 9:30-11 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m. Burial will be at the Marlborough Cemetery followed by a reception at Angelico's Lake House Restaurant in East Hampton.