Dr. Andrew Sanchez Jr.

Dr. Andrew John Sanchez, Jr. passed away peacefully on August 28, 2022, at the age of 95. Dr. Sanchez practiced psychiatry and psychoanalysis in the New Orleans, LA area for over 50 years and was a long-time resident of Lambeth House. Andrew John Sanchez, Jr. was born to parents Andrew John Sanchez, Sr. and Vera Ann Martin Sanchez in New Orleans, LA on December 3, 1926. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his wife of 58 years, Olga Slapak Sanchez, a native of Czechoslovakia. At the age of 16, Andrew was awarded a scholarship to begin study at Loyola University of the South in recognition of his proficiency in the Spanish language. He obtained a pre-medical undergraduate degree from that University in 1944 and went on to earn a medical degree from Louisiana State University in 1949. He was only 23 years old. He completed his psychiatric internship at the Orange County General Hospital in California in 1950 and his residency at Charity Hospital of New Orleans and the Southeast Louisiana State Hospital in Mandeville in 1955. Dr. Sanchez later graduated from the New Orleans Psychoanalytic Institute. Although he rarely discussed it, Dr. Sanchez was a decorated veteran of the Korean war, serving as a Medical Officer with the 1st Marine Division. On August 29, 1951, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal by the United States Marine Corps in recognition of courageous action in war. The citation described the actions of Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Andrew J. Sanchez during battle on June 6, 1951, as "rendering skilled medical attention to the wounded with complete disregard for his personal safety, which aided in the saving of many lives". Upon returning from the war, Dr. Sanchez served at the U.S. Naval Dispensary in San Francisco, CA until 1952. In 1957, Dr. Sanchez established a clinical psychiatric and psychoanalytic practice that would span about 53 years, treating countless patients in the New Orleans area. His loyal colleague, Ms. Margaret M. White, managed his office and helped guide his practice for 47 of those years. Dr. Sanchez was a member of numerous professional societies including the New Orleans Psychoanalytic Institute, for which he served as President, the American Psychiatric Association, and the Louisiana Psychiatric Association. He was also an honorary member of the Theta Beta National Honorary Biological Society. He served as a psychiatrist to the 25th Judicial District Court of Louisiana and was a psychiatric examiner for the criminal court of the Greater Metropolitan New Orleans Region. Andrew and Olga enjoyed a long marriage and an active social life with many friends and colleagues, spending some of their happiest years in their elegant residence on Esplanade Avenue just steps from the French Quarter. They later moved to Metairie and then to Lambeth House, where they were amongst the longest-residing couples. Andrew also possessed what he once described to an interviewer as "a passionate fondness for cats". He loved and nurtured many feline friends, ever-present at his private office in Metairie. Andrew will be remembered as a compassionate and gentle man of extraordinary intelligence. He was an avid LSU sports fan who enjoyed the opera and loved to read, amassing an impressive library including many books in the Spanish language. When faced with months of isolation during the pandemic, Andrew took it in stride, proclaiming "I'll finally get to catch up on my reading!". He nurtured close relationships with friends and colleagues until the end of his life and he will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His friends are especially grateful to the staff of Lambeth House who provided him with such excellent care and attention. Dr. Sanchez was a modest and private person and, in accordance with his final wishes, there will be no funeral service. Interment will be private. For those wishing to memorialize Dr. Sanchez, donations to the Louisiana SPCA can be made in his name (Louisiana SPCA, 1700 Mardi Gras Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70114). Arrangements by Jacob Schoen & Son, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119.