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SANCHEZ -- Arsenio Lorenzo Sanchez Sr., (87) Arsenio completed his great journey home April 21, 2008. He was born August 31, 1920 to Magdalena Torrez and Antonio Sanchez from Bosque in Valencia County. Shortly after his birth, Arsenio was given to his god-parents. They lived in Casa Colorada, a small town south of Belen, where his days consisted of taking sheep to the river for water and to pasture for the day, returning at dusk only to eat and prepare for the next day of the same. Arsenio did not go to school as a child, he did chores and spent his long lonely days shepherding. He would often hear stories that he had a large family in "Martinez Town." He secretly longed to know his real family. At about age 14, he left that life to search for his birth parents and all his brothers and sisters. He would find them in Martinez Town, a barrio in Albuquerque, eventually reuniting with all his four brothers, Oswaldo, Jesus "Chewey", John "Phelipe", Ignacio and all of his three sisters, Ramona, Barbarita and Mary. Ignacio remains as the sole surviving sibling to date. Arsenio had many hurdles to cross on this great journey, one such hurdle was starting first grade as a teenager. He completed up to the seventh grade and to his great credit, had a very successful life, career and family. As a young man, Arsenio went to Delano, California to look for work. He worked as a humble farm hand in the grape vineyards pruning grapes, packaging, sorting, boxing and hauling grapes for shipping purposes. He was 24 when he joined the United States Army during WWII, on July 5, 1944. He belonged to Alpha Company 383rd Infantry Regiment 96th Division. Arsenio was awarded a Bronze Star and was a Purple Heart recipient for his heroic efforts at "Charlie Hill" saving the lives of his wounded comrades by retrieving them from behind enemy lines while he himself was wounded, going back twice before accepting medical care for himself. He did a "Forrest Gump" rescue. Arsenio was presented his medal in 2003, Heather Wilson, the U.S. Congresswoman, presented the Purple Heart Medal to him in a formal presentation at his home some 58 years later. Prior to leaving for the war, Arsenio met Elisa Quintana at the Old Town Saturday night dance. They married and had seven children, Dolores, Sally, Lawrence, "Babo", Gloria, Cheyenne and Paul, all of whom they loved very much. "Babo" had preceded his father in death on July 19, 2007 and "Elisa", his loving wife of 64 years, also preceded him in death March 8, 2005. Surviving him are 22 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. In 1985, Arsenio retired from the Veteran's Administration Hospital after 38 years of dedicated service. He loved his job and never missed a day, retiring with 2260 hours of sick-leave. Following his retirement, he maintained his interests in sports, especially baseball, where he umpired for many years with West Mesa Little League. He was a life-time member of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 3, American Legion Post 99, Ernie Pyle Cutting Chapter No. 3 and a life-time member of The Military Order of Purple Heart. Aresnio had a unique fondness of "clocks" which was evident by the 50 he had in his home. He especially loved gardening. He had a "green thumb" and was always planting trees, tomatoes and jalapenos. Arsenio was also a great cook pleasing everyone with his famous "pico de gallo" and pans of food or chili for all the parties at work, family gatherings and celebrations. Arsenio was also a very giving person, giving to all who crossed his path and surely to those in need. Even at his last days, he was giving orders to all making sure that his gifts were still being distributed to those around him. His neighbors protected and watched over him, his co-workers respected him, his family adored him and his caregivers loved him. All children surrounded him, he was easy and warm with babies always making them smile. Arsenio's last miles home were blessed because he had the "finest" of mankind caring for him and at his side. Amber Care Hospice was "phenomenal" and never far away with their support and tenderness, namely, Claudia and Heather his hospice nurses, Curtis, his hospice aide, and especially Christine with her words of comfort, encouragement and of hope. The absolute best team cared for him all of which hospice is- thank you Amber Care. Thanks to Maxim Health Care for Flora and Valencia, we appreciate all you've done. "Juanita", you made him whatever he wanted, cared for him with tenderness and love. Because of you we were able to give him the only gift he ever asked for "letting him take his last breaths in his own home." You helped us fill his days with dignity-the best gift of all. The true angel that we found, Juanita "gracias para todo Juanita", "esta Juanita vale oro".A Rosary will be recited Sunday, May 4, at 4:00 p.m., at French Mortuary Westside Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, May 5, 2008, (Cinco de Mayo) at 9:00 a.m., at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 5415 Fortuna Rd. NW, with interment to follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery, with full military honors by the US Volunteers of America. Friends may visit French Mortuary Westside Chapel Sunday, May 4, 2008, from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. French Mortuary 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW (505) 897-0300 www.frenchmortuary.com
        Published on: Sun May 04, 2008