1952 - 2015
1952 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
1952
2015
Tommy Sanchez was born on October 3, 1952 in California, he peacefully went to the Lord on December 31, 2015 in Torrance, CA. Predeceased by his Step-father: Richard J. Ortega, he is survived by his daughter: Alicia Garcia, mother: Adeline Ortega; Siblings: Melinda Puentes, Darlene (Jon) Bada, Sandy (David) Mora, & Lawrence (Abby) Ortega. Tommy will leave his legacy on this earth through his 3 grandchildren, & is also survived by his 4 nieces & 1 nephew..
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Alicia Garcia
April 2, 2016
Daddy I'm not to good at saying goodbye or things like that. But there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you. I miss you more then words could ever say you were a great father and grandfather and I will cherish every moment that I spent with you especially the times we laughed and took our silly pictures. RIP DADDY I love you
Nina Ortega
April 1, 2016
Tommy My Mijo,
I miss you so much! Not a day goes by that I don't think about you! I remember when you were born and the nurse brought you to me. I felt this love I never thought was possible. You were my precious bundle of joy....so special! You've been so special to me all of my life. I am just so sorry I didn't show it as often as I should have, but I pray that you knew how much I loved you! I miss your nightly 6 pm calls, "Mom, I'm going to bed soon. Talk to you tomorrow". Even though it hurt me to see you sick, I am thankful you were here at home with us and I was able to help you as much as possible. I know you are with our Lord in beautiful heaven and one day we will be together again. Love you my handsome son! God bless you! Sleep with the angels! Mom
Abby Ortega
March 31, 2016
Hey Tommy! I just want to say that I had to be a drill sergeant when I was making you do all those exercises. Of course, you just had to insert your sense of humor in everything. I must say, you braved through many things Tommy. Love from Barrel.
PS. I definitely look like a barrel now. RIP Uncle Tommy from baby.
Lawrence Ortega
March 31, 2016
Well talk to me! We've had many good memories together, some that people know of and some that people don't. We never really had an argument or a fight but we sure had some laughter together. Miss you. Rest in peace brother.
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Let's Go Doyers!
Melinda Puentes
March 28, 2016
Thomas James Sanchez --- A Brother, A Father, A Grandfather, A Nephew, A Cousin, A Friend...But most of all, A Loving Son.
Love sneaks up on you in many ways...and my love for my brother Tommy really grew this past year-and-a half.
Tommy is 12 years older than me, so my first real concrete memories of him was as a young man. I fondly remember when he called one day and told me I was going to be an auntie; and also the baby shower we threw for Debbie. Him and my older cousins were all cool, long-haired adults compared to the skinny little goofy kid I was!
Let me run down a few "Tommy Facts":
1. Tommy Loved His Family --- He lived for many years with our grandma Asencio and uncle Joe, so they were like second parents to him. And he was always concerned when one of us was sick, even with a cold, calling to say I hope you are feeling better. And of course, he was devoted to our mom...calling her daily (sometimes numerous times!). But at the very least, he would call mom before bedtime and they would exchange warm words of "sleep with the angels".
2. Tommy Had Numerous Loves --- The beach, fishing off the pier, the Dodgers and Rams, old TV shows and movies, tortillas smeared with mayonnaise and Elvis Presley!
3. Tommy's Good Looks and Joking Personality Won Over Many-a-Lady --- Even through his illness, all the nurses and cnas fell under Tommy's smiling, laughing charm.
4. Tommy Was Funny! --- Who hasn't heard these Tommy-isms?
Well taaaaaaalk to me!
Moochie, moochie, moochie!
Love you to the MAX!
My sissssssssy!
Homey don't play that!
Love you to the moon and back!
He also had nicknames for many people, mine being Soup Bones. And he would follow that saying, "But the bone is juicy"!
So, coming back to my love growing for Tommy --- everyone knows the Tommy I just spoke of. Since his stroke, I've spent time with him most days. My mom has been the true #1 champion for my brother. I've been her 2nd-in-command. So, through these past 19 months, I've met a vulnerable Tommy, a courageous Tommy, a resilient Tommy. A Tommy that with his laugh warmed my heart. A Tommy who went through so much, but didn't complain.
I held his hand often, read inspirational passages to him, watched Dodger games with him, and always told him I loved him. He returned his love with a squeeze of his hand, a warm silly laugh, a "Tomisia" pinkie wave or a twinkle in his eyes...and it was good.
God bless you Tommy. May you rest in peace my dear brother.
Your Soup Bones
Andrea Markel
March 22, 2016
Uncle Tommy we love and miss you very much but we rejoice in knowing we will see you again one sweet day. We love you love Andrea, Craig, Marissa, James and Christopher
Carlos Arambula
March 16, 2016
Tommy, I didn't know you very long but I enjoyed the chance of getting to know you. You were a very strong man and a fighter until the end. Much love, Carlos
Natalia Mora
March 16, 2016
Uncle Tommy, I have so many great and funny memories of you as I was growing up. You always spoke the truth even when it was "cold"! You will be greatly missed! Moochie moochie mooch!
Chris Quinn
March 12, 2016
Uncle Tommy, it was an honor celebrating your life and being allowed to carry you to your resting place. It was always nice to come and visit you, and I know I'll see you again.
March 2, 2016
Dear Uncle Tommy,
You're resting now in Jesus's presence. Death could not hold Jesus so in Him we have our hope. You are now living in that hope. We love you Uncle Tommy and you will be missed by everybody. See you soon. :)
Love Roy
March 2, 2016
Tommy,
My big brother, I have always loved you so much! As a little girl I thought you were sooo handsome with your goatee and I always wanted to sit next to you in all the pictures! You always made me feel special when you brought me home all the stuffed animals you won at the carnivals. I had that big yellow banana in my room forever! When I grew up and you would call, you always knew when something was bothering me and you would say "talk to me" and give me advice. I always felt loved by you! I'm sorry for all the things I should have taken the time to do for you. Even in your absence, I'm still learning from you and I thank you! I have peace knowing you are in Heaven, beautiful, whole, strong and with JESUS! I can only imagine how paradise must be like, but you are living it! I am eternally grateful for Jesus and for you! I love you! Muchi, Muchi, your sister Sandy (Koala Bear)
January 8, 2016
I used to hang out with Tommy when we were young .I lived next door to him for many years.R.I.P. Armando Martinez
January 6, 2016
My brother.....we will miss you. Thank you Jesus for your loving grace in allowing us to see each other again in heaven. Until then...
Your Pie Face
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4400 Cherry Ave., Long Beach, CA 90807

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