MARKANTHONY SANCHEZ

Markanthony Sánchez, widely loved veteran on-air personality of Radio Bilingüe, passed away on Monday, December 6, 2010, at the age of 55, in his home in Selma, California, apparently from complications from diabetes. "Mr. Markanthony", as he was known for decades to devoted listeners, joined KSJV, the Radio Bilingüe community radio station in Fresno, in early 1981 as a programmer for "Oldies but Goodies." The late night show featuring Latin rock, Soul and R&B from the '60s and '70s, had a special appeal to low-riders and youth audiences. "Actually, his father brought him to the station with the hope that this homeboy from the Selma barrio would make a constructive contribution to our community," says Hugo Morales, executive director of Radio Bilingüe. "We can say that he certainly did. He will be deeply missed by everyone connected to Radio Bilingüe." Eventually, Mr. Markanthony's deep voice and upbeat theme song "B.T. Express" became the signature sound of the Oldies show through today, and a staple for several generations in the barrios of the San Joaquin Valley and beyond. His audience included a major segment of prisoners incarcerated throughout California, who sent messages to loved ones and their hopes for turning their lives through thousands of letters to Mr. Markanthony. He also became the most prominent voice on the Radio Bilingüe airwaves as the narrator of public service announcements, and he trained hundreds of staff and volunteer radio programmers and producers. Born in Fresno, Mr. Markanthony grew up in Selma and graduated from Selma High School. From an early age, he played drums and began gathering an impressive collection of music and music history. His father, Arturo, cultivated in him this love for music, says his sister, Sylvia Clark. "He loved his work for Radio Bilingüe and his audiences were his family," she says. Markanthony Sánchez was predeceased by his beloved parents, Arturo and Cora Sánchez. He is survived by his sister, Sylvia Clark; his nieces, María Antoinette and Camille; his grand-nephews, Arthur Ernie, Michael Rocha, Chase and Hunter; his godson, Jason Velasco; goddaughter, Jessica Villalva; his compa, Ronald Duran, Mike and the Reyna Family. The public is invited to Recitation of the Holy Rosary At St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Selma, Ca. on Thursday, December 9, 2010, at 6:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church 2441 Dockery Ave. in Selma, Ca. on Friday, December 10, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. The burial will take place immediately after the Mass at Selma's Cemetery. Radio Bilingue will also conduct a celebration of his life and work in the near future.