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Nestor Sanchez Obituary
NESTOR DANIEL SANCHEZ (Age 83)
Passed away on January 18, 2011 at his retirement home at Buckingham's Choice in Buckeystown, Maryland. Nestor was born on July 28, 1927 to Jim and Clara Sanchez.Born in Magdalena, New Mexico, he earned his bachelor's degree in political science from New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI), a master's degree in geopolitics from Georgetown University and was a graduate of the National War College. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S Army in 1950 upon graduation from NMMI. In 1951, he joined the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) where he went on to serve with distinction in South Korea, Morocco, Guatemala, Venezuela, Colombia, Spain and various Headquarters assignments. While in Morocco, Nestor married his wife of 53 years, Joan Whitworth Russell. After 30 distinguished years of service as a senior representative of the CIA, Nestor was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Inter-American Affairs in 1981 and was instrumental in forming U.S. policy in Latin America. He retired from federal service in 1987 and was awarded the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service and the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service. While living in Leesburg, Nestor served as the Executive Vice President of the George C. Marshall Home Preservation Fund where he secured funding vital to keeping the home as a museum for the public.A devoted and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Nestor is survived by his two sisters, four sons, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Joan. Nestor touched many people with his hard work, humor, dedication, and wise counsel. He will be greatly missed. Services will be held in Buckingham's Choice, Buckeystown, MD on Saturday, January 29 at 2 p.m.
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Memories and Condolences
for Nestor Sanchez
Thomas Sanchez
January 17, 2025
We miss you Dad. You were the best. Love Tom (proud son number 5)
Jennifer Mizban
February 2, 2011
Since my father, Leo Innerbichler from Magdalena, NM, found out this past Sunday about the passing of his childhood friend Nestor, he hasn't been able to stop thinking about him. On reading the condolences, it seems that Mr. Sanchez had that effect on everyone he met. I wish they had had a chance to catch up on old times. It would have meant so much to my father. My deep condolences to the family. My father would love to hear from Nestor's sisters, and chat about their brother.
Martha Church
January 31, 2011
I first met Nestor and Joan in 2001 as a fellow guest of Nancy and Fred Lininger - in Leesberg. What a wonderful couple. I knew them both at Buckingham's Choice where I used to live. Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss first of Joan and now of Nestor, two very special people who made certain their family came first and who supported others is such wonderful ways - especially Nancy and Fred Lininger whom I treasured as very special friends. Nestor made Fred's last years - without Nancy - remarkable for the friendship and caring he demonstrated. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Martha E. Church, former president of Hood College in Frederick, MD.
Carol and Dan Cole
January 30, 2011
I had the good fortune to work with Nestor in both Spain and Washington, DC. A memory to share: Your father enjoyed afternoon tea in the office in Spain. About 4 p.m. you could smell the "te con gotas" permeating the halls. "Gotas" or drops were in fact a little annisette added to the tea giving it a very distinctive aroma. We all knew enough to allow Nestor his 15 minute tea break. I chatted with Joan and Nestor a few years ago and found them both looking great and still very devoted to each other. Nestor was a wonderful mentor and co-worker; Joan, a very gracious Lady in the true sense of the word. Both were respected, admired and loved by many. Our sincere condolences to the family on the loss of two very special people. Carol (Balcerek) and Dan Cole
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Ed C
January 30, 2011
I served with Nestor for 2 years in Bogota. Great person to work with and Joan was a great lady. They made a super team!
Elena and Benito Krawczyk
January 28, 2011
Dear Tom and family, We remember your dad with great fondness. He was a true national treasure and a rare gem. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time. Thinking of you, Elena and Benito
Karen Royden Linett
January 28, 2011
I was stationed in Guatemala in 1966 with my then husband. I remember your father and your mother, both of whom made our first overseas assignment pleasant in spite of the turmoil in the country. Both your parents were the best people in the world and shall be terribly missed.
Isabelle Wheeler
January 26, 2011
Dear John and family,
I remember your father as a vibrant and energetic man and I remember your mother as my wonderful 5th grade teacher. My favorite memory was hunting for Easter eggs at their home in Guatemala - they made it such fun for all the kids at the Embassy. I know my parents had great respect for both of your parents. I send you my heartfelt condolences and will say a prayer for you and your brothers.
Isabelle Wheeler Frankenfield
Susan Walsh
January 26, 2011
Dearest Nestor and Nonno, Even if we did not spend much time together, you will always be in our thoughts and heart. Now you will be united once again with your dear ones and with Joan forever. With all our love Susan and Yasmin
Agustin Santana
January 25, 2011
Mr. Sanchez,
Mi mas sentido pesame en tan irreparable perdida. Nuestras oraciones acompanan a Usted y toda su familia.
kirk Lininger
January 24, 2011
Your Father spent so many of his final years with our Father Fred Lininger. As a result we were fortunate to have spent some time ourselves with him both in Leesburg and Buckhams Choice. I will never forget him pushing my Father around in my Dad's wheel chair gently talking and joking as they navigated the hallways. Each week I would join them for dinner and their glass of wine because they had heard it would prolong life.They no longer needed to discuss their impressive careers. Conversation was always about their wives , the love of their lives and their children and grandchildren. They were more proud of all of you than all they had accomplished in their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. A great and wonderful man can now be with your Mom and have dinner tonight with my parents and their other many friends and family.
Mollie Alkan
January 24, 2011
A gentleman and a friend to the end to my father.
M&M Alkan
Amanda Ruch
January 24, 2011
You and your wife touched many lives at Buckingham's Choice. You will always hold a special place in our hearts. We are thankful you are at peace with your loving wife.
May the family find comfort in one another and feel God's grace in this time of sorrow.
With deep sympathy,
Amanda Ruch
Director of Nursing
Buckingham's Choice
January 23, 2011
Nestor's views were sought by presidents and leaders of foreign policy planning. True, but we knew him to always be gentle, quiet, persuasive, caring and very family-oriented. That's the man we will remember forever.
Our condolences and love to all of you,
Dick and Margie Trainor
January 23, 2011
Dad, like Tom said, give Mom a big hug. Thank you for everything. We love you. James (son #4)
January 23, 2011
Dad, like Tom said, give Mom a big hug. Thank you for everything. We love you. James (son #4)
January 23, 2011
We love you Dad and give Mom a big hug from us. love Tom (son #3)
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