PABLO SANCHEZ

SANCHEZ Pablo Sanchez (Age 75) Of Bethesda, Maryland, died from COVID-19 complications on February 24, 2021, surrounded by his loving wife and family. Mr. Sanchez was an award-winning journalist with a career spanning over 45 years, and was a longtime resident of the DC region. A native of Bogota, Colombia, he worked tirelessly to inform, educate and empower the underserved Latino community. For over three decades, he was a national correspondent and producer for the Univision Network. He joined the then-fledgling Spanish-language network in 1987 as the national newscast producer. He covered political events and major stories on his beat at the White House, Capitol Hill, State Department, Pentagon and many agencies of the federal government. He began his television career in English-language media, when asked to fill in as a documentary producer as a favor. He came across his career almost by accident. Beginning at Channel 9/WTOP, now WDVM, he was Public Service Manager of WDVM-9 and producer of the station's then new public affairs program "Neighborhood News Conference." His documentary work took him to Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. Pablo was an Emmy winner and a nominee eleven times for his documentary production, reporting and writing. He won the Emmy for Outstanding Program Achievement for "Saturday Magazine." In 2015, he was awarded the Silver Circle Emmy, which celebrates 25+ years in the industry. One of Pablo's greatest passions was health journalism. Besides having covered medical breakthroughs for Univision, he volunteered to produce and co-host pro-bono a weekly health call-in community show. His co-host for the show was Dr. Elmer Huerta, an oncologist and public health expert. "Hablemos de Salud" or "Let's Talk About Health" aired locally, and then nationally, for 18 years on MHz, advising the Hispanic community across the country about health issues and medical innovations. His most recent project, which was left at the last phase of production, was a documentary on bullfighting for U.S. audiences. The production and taping of the show took him to Spain and Mexico, showing that bullfighting as an event is not only culturally significant but also regarded by many to be an art form. His other professional experience includes having been a writer and editor at Voice of America, a producer and reporter at National Public Radio, Televisa Network, and many other freelance and consultant opportunities. He was a beloved mentor for many colleagues and interns that learned from his expertise and knowledge about the television industry. In addition, he traveled to various Latin American countries to conduct workshops on the profession of journalism. Pablo was a warm and loving family man. He enjoyed an active social life and traveled frequently with his wife, Lili. He gathered often with his children and grandchildren for family meals filled with lively discussion and laughter. Charismatic and friendly, he had great comedic timing, and always had a ready joke or interesting story to share. All will miss him for his generous nature, warmth of spirit, keen intellect, and good humor. Pablo is survived by his loving wife, Liliana Gonzalez, his mother, Carmen Garcia, brother, Jorge "Eddie" Sanchez, sisters, Yvette Gutierrez, Maritza Burke, Liz Sanchez, Clara Sanchez Lopez, Patti Sanchez DiStefano, his five children, Maggie Sanchez Lau, Jennifer Willmon, Rachel Sanchez, Lucia Sanchez, Jorge Sanchez, and his eight grandchildren, Pilar Bruyere, Baird Bruyere, Meg Winthrop, Alex Lau, Katie Lau, Oliver Whitford, Jorge Whitford, and Andora Sanchez. A memorial service is scheduled for March 11, at Pumphrey's Funeral Home in Bethesda.A memorial service is scheduled for March 11, at Pumphrey's Funeral Home in Bethesda.