Sanchez, Dr. George M.
85, passed away on March 7th, 2015, after recovering from open heart surgery in February. He was born on February 22, 1930, in Miami, Arizona, where he married his sweetheart Bertha "Bebe" Muñoz before volunteering for the Army and returned to start his academic venture to become an optometrist and start his family with Bebe. After completing pre-optometry at ASU, he then attended UC Berkeley where he earned his doctorate degree. George and Bebe then settled down in Tempe, AZ. Dr. Sanchez was also a devoted advocate for education, serving over 15 years as a board member for the Tempe Elementary School District, two of which as president. He continued his commitment to education as an active board member on the Tempe Impact on Education Foundation. Always wanting to improve the education system in Tempe, his life mission was promoting one's self-worth, individuality and potential. His kind and giving ways were matched only by his unique sense of humor and ability to make even a stranger feel welcome. Spending time with George was truly a treat and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by wife Bebe; children Susan, Annette, and Gary; grandchildren Megan, Alex, Brandon, Melody, Joshua, Rio, Sydney, and Georgio; siblings Joaquin, Tony, Joe, and Annie. He was preceded in death by his son Vincent; sister Gloria; and parents José and Anita. A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 2 at 11am with visitation starting at 10am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Tempe. Burial will be at Tempe Double Buttes Cemetery at 2pm.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Mar. 31, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for George Sanchez

11 Entries

April 14, 2015

Dr. Sanchez, words cannot express how sad my family and I felt to hear the news of your passing. I thank you for taking such good care of my family and I. We felt like we lost much more than a great Doctor but also a great, great man. Our hearts go out to his family. God Bless, from David Jaime and family.

Candy Ruiz

April 14, 2015

May God bless you and your family at this time. Gloria was my godmother and we use to live next door to the Sanchez family. I have not seen anyone in the family for many years. But this I know to be true George made a great impression on most of the Ruiz children. His kindness and gentelness was not lost on a small child who grew up with special memories of her life planted by George and the whole Sanchez family.

Joshua S

April 1, 2015

Gray Family

March 31, 2015

I was a patient of Dr. Sanchez for many years, and my daughters were his patients as well. We loved our visits to Dr. Sanchez and Arlo - we loved the personal care we received from them. Dr. Sanchez was so caring, professional, and kind. What a wonderful example of a Christian human being. We will sure miss our beloved Dr. Sanchez - our most sincere condolences go to his family. May he rest in peace.

peter/susan vlastelica

March 31, 2015

our heartfelt sympathies to the family, extended families and friends; our thoughts and prayers. peace be with you.

pete/susan vlastelica

March 31, 2015

dr. george was my eye doc as i grew up in miami, az. dr. sanchez will be remembered as a gentle man and his many memories will be held forever. thoughts, prayers to his family and extended family and friends. peace, love, and hope. rest in peace, doctor.

Karen Pulley

March 31, 2015

One of the finest men I knew.

Margaret Whelan

March 31, 2015

To say I consider myself lucky to have known Dr. Sanchez is an understatement. Dr. George was the kindest, sweetest, most patient man, and a phenomenal optometrist. While I mostly knew him professionally, I know that his family was his life and that he had a great love for people. What a considerable loss to his family and the profession of optometry; Dr. George will be sorely missed. Much love and respect to Mrs. Sanchez and the family.

March 31, 2015

As a patient of Dr. Sanchez, his gentleness, perfection in his work to give the patient the best vision, and devotion to his work was evident at every visit. This combination of professionalism and humanism is rare. He lived a life of truth, honesty and giving.

March 31, 2015

My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4 : 14 can bring some comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

March 31, 2015

Dr Sanchez was a wonderful person and a wonderful eye Dr. I went to him every year until my retirement from SRP in 2010. I trusted him and know he will be terribly missed.

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