Arnulfo Mirano "Ruben" Sanchez

Arnulfo "Ruben" Mirano Sanchez (91) was called to his heavenly resting place April 29th, 2024 at home in Morrisville, NC with family at his side.
Ruben, also affectionately called "Benny" by family and friends, was born in Tucson, Arizona on November 5, 1932. He had many adventures with childhood friends in his early days. He attended Tucson High and was a proud Badger. Many of his childhood friends proved to be life-long, standing the test of time and distance. He was a proud Veteran, and served as a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force for 4 years, including a tour in Korea. He then worked for the Veterans Administration for 30 years. After retirement, he remained deeply rooted in the Tucson community, volunteering at Santa Cruz Catholic School, Brichta Elementary, Pio Decimo Center, and as a boy scout leader. In 1994, Ruben moved with his family to Daytona Beach, Florida where he found the Spanish choir at the Basilica of St. Paul. As a member of the Spanish choir, he went on a trip of a lifetime to sing for the Pope in Rome.
Ruben had many passions including cheering for the Arizona Wildcats, mariachi music, Mexican food, dancing, and following current events. He also had a strong belief in God and his Catholic faith. He was an expert in aircraft, particularly World War II planes, and had a deep love and appreciation for classic cars. He was a talented artist and problem solver, always crafting ways to make daily life more efficient. More than anything, Ruben had a love for his family, always putting them first. He lit up a room with his smile without having to say a word. He will be missed immensely, but his was a life truly lived to the fullest.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Guadalupe Sanchez, his first wife Helen, and five siblings. Survived by his wife of 46 years, Teresa, children Jorge (Nora) Sanchez, Teresa (Ben) Avery, Joey (Libby) Sanchez, sister Evelyn Alcaraz, grandchildren– Anthony, Christian, Cecilia, Eleanor, Lucia, Rosie, and Nico, 3 great grandchildren, godson Leonardo Bueno, brother in law and sister in law Keith and Liz Paredes and many loving nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona directed to Pio Decimo Center (https://www.ccs-soaz.org/donate/form) or to St. Paul's Basilica Choir Daytona Beach (https://www.wesharegiving.org/app/giving/WeShare-3376?tab=home) are appreciated. (For St. Paul, you may add "in memory of Ruben" in the first name field of the on-line form in addition to your name.)
Funeral mass will be held at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Cary, NC on May 30 at 1pm. In honor of his service in the Air Force, Ruben will be laid to rest at the National Veterans Cemetery in Danville, VA on May 31 at 11am.