Filemon "Phil" Sanchez

Filemon "Phil" Sanchez, age 90, was born in Youngsville, New Mexico on October 28, 1933, to Aquilino & Dolores Sanchez. He went to be  with our Lord on December 2, 2023, after a sudden illness. As a child he moved to Santa Fe with his parents, 7 brothers & 5 sisters, where he became a lifelong resident.  Phil married his beloved sweetheart Celine L. Sanchez and together they had 5 children. He retired as a truck driver from Coca Cola Bottling Company.  Everyone knew Phil as the "Coca-Cola Man". He was a happy-go-lucky guy, who always brought a laugh and a smile to everyone's face.  He was an amazing husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, Brother, & Uncle.

Phil served his country in the Army as a Private First Class at Fort Hamilton, New York.  He received an honorary discharged on July 6, 1957, and transferred to serve in the Army Reserve National Guard of New Mexico to fulfill his 8 years of service.  He is preceded in death by his loving wife Celine L. Sanchez, parents: Aquilino & Dolores Sanchez, daughter Diane James, 2 sons-in-law Mark Arellano Sr. & Robert James, grandson Nicholas Sanchez, sister Mary Alice Vigil, brothers Joe Sanchez, Bernard Sanchez and Wilfred Sanchez. 

He leaves a Legacy behind and is survived by sons Robert F. Sanchez (Johanna), Michael Lee Sanchez (Stephanie), daughters Jeanette Arellano, Barbara J. Rivera (Gerald), grand children: Mark Arellano Jr., Angelique Lucero (Derek), Bryanna Arellano, Patrick Sanchez (Kristen), Monique Rivera (Joseph), Joshua Rivera, great-grand children: Dominic Arellano, Alonzo Lucero, Kai Lucero, Luna Lucero, Ceci Sanchez, Nicholas Sanchez, Sebastian Sanchez, Anastasia Sanchez, Jasmine Sanchez, brothers: Aquilino Sanchez Jr., Gilbert Sanchez (Lourdes), Larry Sanchez (Stella), sisters: Geraldine Sanchez, Cleo Holt, Theresa Louton (Michael), Cecilia O'Niel, numerous sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. 

A Viewing & Rosary will be held on Tuesday, December 19th, at the Rivera Memorial Gardens on Rodeo Road. 

Viewing from 5:30pm to 6:00pm & Rosary from 6:00pm to 7:00pm.

A Catholic Mass will be held our Lady of Guadalupe Church on Wednesday, December 20th at 9:30am. The burial will follow at the National Cemetery at 11:00am with Full Military Honors & 21 Gun Salute. Serving as Pallbearers: Mark Arellano Jr., Derek Lucero, Monique Rivera, Joshua Rivera, Bryanna Arellano, & Dominic Arellano.  

Honorary Pallbearers are his Great-Grandchildren.

You will truly be missed Dad!!