Gali Sanchez

1951 - 2018

On Sunday, September 16, 2018 Gali Sanchez, a resident of Front Royal, Virginia, passed into spirit after a 19 year battle against prostate cancer. He was 66 years old.

Gali was born December 14, 1951 in Washington DC to M. Gali and Reland Sanchez.

He grew up mostly in Maryland, but also Mexico City.   He graduated from Severna Park High School in 1970 and Washington College in 1974.

Throughout his adult life, Gali saw himself as a teacher who lived an adventure. As a Latin Percussionist, he toured as a member of the band "SANTANA", and also performed with Steve Winwood, Stevie Wonder, Dave Matthews Band, and other nationally renowned music groups.  

For three years he worked at TSR as a game designer for Dungeons & Dragons. He served as a bilingual counselor for Chicano communities in the Midwest.  Gali was a member of the United Farmworkers Organizing Committee, working directly with civil rights icon Cesar Chavez.  For a year he served as a cultural consultant for the Baltimore Orioles.

Gali was involved with advertising agencies as a soccer expert, and played friendly soccer with the legendary Pele.

For the last 18 years he lived in the Front Royal community teaching at Warren County Middle School and Wakefield Country Day School. He was Warren County HS Coach of the Year and the Delany Valley Conference Coach of the Year at WCDS  as varsity soccer coach. He was a fanatical follower of FC Barcelona. 

Gali was a member of The Abenaki Nation of New Hampshire Native American Tribe and First Nations of Canada Metis Abenaquis de l'Oeste. He was Sokoki Band and Turtle Clan.

Sanchez also volunteered in the community, translating for law enforcement, courts and schools. He spoke five languages. Gali was a traditional teacher and  counselor  for Pathkeepers Native Youth Leadership Camp since its inception, and spoke across the country on Native American issues. He worked hard to eliminate Native American sports mascots. 

Gali is survived by his companion, Morning Star Dick; his mother, Reland Sanchez (Bassette); daughter, Emmy Gutierrez; two grandchildren, Noelia Yelixa and Emanuel; brothers, Paul, Ralph, and Wayne Sanchez; and sister, Laura (Happel); as well as Lisa Little Wolf and Rhonda Besaw.

A non-denominational gathering will take place at Maddox Funeral Home, Front Royal, VA Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 12 p.m. where people can pay their respects. A reception will follow at Reager School near Flint Hill.  

Later, his remains will travel to New Hampshire for a traditional Abenaki Native Burial Ceremony on the banks of the Connecticut River where Gali will begin his journey home.

In lieu of flowers,  Gali's request was to send donations in his name to N'Dakinna, Inc., c/o Alice Stevens, P.O. Box 293, Union, NH 03887; a tax exempt charity supporting Abenaki Elders in need of assistance with winter  fuel, food, or  emergency expenses.

Arrangements are being handled by Maddox Funeral Home, Front Royal, VA.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.maddoxfuneralhome.com

Sign the Guest Book at www.nvdaily.com/obituaries