David Sanchez

1939 - 2020

David J Sanchez Jr
July 4, 1939 - December 12, 2020
David passed away peacefully in San Francisco on December 12, 2020 at the age of 81. Beloved son of the late Inez and David Sanchez ILWU Local 10.

He is survived by his loving wife and soulmate of 53 years, Barbara Sanchez, his son Francisco Sanchez, son Juan Sanchez (Caroline) and their two sons Cody and Jack, and daughter Laura Sanchez Palacio (Bob) their two daughters Sophia and Samantha.

Also survived by his loving sister Cecilia Kwolek (John), brother in law of Eric and Carol Boutwell, Meta Clow, Nancy and Bob Murphy and lots of nieces, nephews, and cousins and of course the whole Ayala clan. He was also predeceased by his brother Dan Sanchez and brother in law John Clow.

David was a native San Franciscan. He graduated from the Jesuit school Bellarmine High School, class of 1957 after which he joined the Navy. He served in the South Pacific on the Aircraft Carrier, USS Ticonderoga in the division of naval air.

Following Naval service, David continued his education using the GI Bill to earn a BA and MA from San Jose State University. He taught at the SFUSD Portola Junior High School while attending graduate school. He then attended UC Berkeley receiving his PhD from the Graduate School of Education. He then taught sociology at the University of San Francisco and then joined the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco where he spent the bulk of his career.

Dr. Sanchez served in various positions at the University California San Francisco from 1969 to 2005, including Assistant Vice Chancellor of academic affairs. In 1974, he was a Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellow in Washington DC taking his young family of 5 to Washington DC for the year. After an established career he then retired as Professor Emeritus from the University of California, San Francisco.

He also had a varied public service career serving on many boards and commissions including Catholic Charities Board, San Francisco Unified School Board, The San Francisco Community College Board, The San Francisco Police Commission, the San Francisco Health Commision, Columbia Park Boy's and Girl's Club, San Francisco Foundation, Zuckerberg SF General Hospital Advisory Board, Centro Latino, MLVS, San Francisco Maritime Association, San Francisco Education Fund, American GI Forum, State of California Commission on Aging. He was also a long time member of the Olympic Club and the St. Francis Yacht Club.

David was a big fan of his Cal Bears "Go Bears", and loved everything about San Francisco. He enjoyed attending Giants games with his wife and friends, walking around his MIssion District neighborhood and picking up tacos from La Taqueria and desserts from Dianda's, making frequent trips to Mitchell's for ice cream treats for his grandchildren. He also enjoyed watching the sailing boats race under the Golden Gate Bridge, going to the ocean and walking his schipperkes past and present Zorro, Zephyr, Zsa Zsa, Zena, and Cha Cha at Fort Funston, Stern Grove and Golden Gate Park.

We would like to thank all caregivers at Coming Home Hospice who so graciously cared for our dad these past few months. We are so grateful to you for the love and attention you paid him.

Donations may be made in David's memory to Centro Latino de San Francisco (1656 - 15th St, San Francisco, CA 94103) Attention Gloria Bonilla.

A celebration of David's life will be held at a later date when gatherings are allowed.