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Gilbert Griego Sanchez passed away at his home in Valencia, NM on Tuesday, May 10, 2011. He was born on May 3, 1933 and lived a long and fruitful life. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Bertha Gonzales Sanchez; his second wife, Rose Sandoval Sanchez; father, Alfredo Sanchez; his mother, Tercilla Sanchez and brother, Herman Sanchez. Gilbert is survived by many people that loved and respected him, which include his beloved daughter, Sandra (Sandy) Lopez; sons, Gilbert (Gibbs) Sanchez Jr. and James (Jimmy) Sanchez and fiance, Suzette (Suzy) Tesch; his brothers, Leo Sanchez and his spouse, Demecia, Emilio Sanchez and his spouse, Evelyn; his sisters, Elia Martinez, Martha Sedillo and husband, Telesfor; his grandsons and granddaughters, Juan Arturo Jojola, Vincent (Vinnie) Lopez, Jarrod Tesch, Cassie Lopez, and Symone Trujillo. Gilbert also left behind his great-grandson, Juan Arturo Jr.; many nephews, nieces and great-nephews and nieces. Gilbert seemed to know and get along with everyone in Valencia County. He was a respected and loved man in his community and was a life long member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. Gilbert unfortunately was widowed twice. He married the love of his life and the mother of his children, Bertha Gonzales on June 27, 1957. Bertha was only eighteen years old and he was twenty four. He loved her dearly and it broke his heart when Bertha passed away suddenly at age forty nine. Many years later, Gilbert met and fell in love again and married Rose Sandoval of Los Padillas. Rose was a wonderful woman who loved Gilbert and accepted his entire family as her own. When Rose passed away, Gilbert's heart was again broken and he moved back to his little farm in Valencia County to be closer to his children and his immediate and extended family. Gilbert was very proud of his military service in the U.S. Navy. He served honorably from November 1952 to November 1956. He was an electrician's mate on several U.S. Naval vessels and spent over three years and four months of his four year military service at sea or at foreign locations, such as Japan, Korea, Guam, and the Philippine Islands. Gilbert crossed the Pacific Ocean fifty two times and crossed under the Golden Gate Bridge over sixty five times. He distinguished himself by earning the United Nations China Service Metal, the Korean Service Metal, the National Defense Metal, and the Good Conduct Metal. Gilbert was last assigned on the USS General A. E. Anderson, a troop transport vessel. Gilbert attended many reunions with his comrades at arms that served with him on the USS General A. E. Anderson. After returning from military service in November 1956, Gilbert joined the Iron Workers Union Local 495. He began working for the union at an hourly rate of $3.18. Gilbert loved his union and his fellow union brotherhood. He was a foreman on many union jobs before he retired from Local 495. He married Bertha in June 1957 and on week-ends he worked with his father and brothers on the family farm. Gilbert loved the land and raising livestock. He built his own home near his parents and continued to work the land and raise cattle with his brother Herman, who lived next door. Until his last days, Gilbert enjoyed his farm and watching his cattle grow until it was time to take them to market. Gilbert would sit outside his home for hours watching his cattle, the birds, the pheasant, the roadrunners and all of God's creation. Gilbert lived the life he wanted and died in the home he built with his own hands. Rest in peace Gilbert, we will miss you. Pray for us. All services will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, on Friday, May 13. A viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 10:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Valencia Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kenneth Griego, Michael Sedillo, Leonard Sanchez, Vincent Lopez, Juan Arturo Jojola and Ted Sanchez. Honorary pallbearers will be Mateo Sanchez and Orlando Lopez. Sign Gilbert's online register book at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM.
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