FELIPE COLVIN SANCHEZ JR.

FELIPE C. SANCHEZ JR.

Felipe C. Sanchez Jr. was born on October 2nd, 1952, to Felipe and Alberta Sanchez in Safford, AZ. He lost his courageous fight to cancer on June 18th,2025 in Globe, AZ. He was 1 of 10 children, his siblings are Arthur, Victor, William, Carol and Ella Mae. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers Denicio and Daniel, 2 sisters Phoebe and Avalina. Felipe is survived by his 5 beautiful children, Regina (Aaron) Gatewood, Ezequiel (Marissa) Sanchez, Raquel (Seth) Sandoval, Benjamin (Aleyana) Sanchez, Ruben Sanchez and 15 loving grandchildren. Felipe spent most childhood years in San Manuel, AZ until the family moved to Pima, AZ. He graduated from Pima High School as valedictorian. He and his brothers spent many summers in Sanchez, AZ with his grandparents.

After graduation he joined the Marines then moved to California where he worked for the San Bernadino County Transportation Authority for many years. He returned to Arizona in the early 80’s, obtained his bachelor’s degree from University of Phoenix in Business Management, and worked for Pima County Transportation Department where he was promoted as the County’s first Paratransit Manager. In 1999 Felipe and his family moved to San Carlos, AZ and he began working for the Tribal Administration Office’s. After retiring from the Tribe, Felipe continued to work part time for various employers. 

Felipe had 5 children with his former spouse, Mary. Felipe was a funny, caring, loving and very proud father. He adored all his children. He cherished all the time spent with them camping, fishing, hunting and watching sports - U of A Wildcats were his all-time favorite team. He loved music, especially listening to his son Ruben play Hotel California on the guitar. During his retirement Felipe continued to enjoy the great outdoors. He loved fishing with his brother Art, kids, grandkids and anyone else who wanted to come along. He also spent leisurely days with his family and friends hunting, taking road trips, going to the casinos, programing computers and reading. Felipe was kindhearted, funny, gentle, caring and giving father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. He welcomed everyone into his home and would never turn anyone away. He will be forever missed by all his loved ones.