Herman Sanchez

Herman E. Sanchez, 91, a long-time resident of Santa Fe, passed away peacefully at Scott’s House hospice care on June 2nd, 2022.  Herman was born in Albuquerque on December 22, 1930, to Herman H and Frances Tenorio Sanchez.  Herman attended school in Albuquerque and El Rito, NM before joining the US Navy at the age of 17 and serving  for five years at stations in California and the Pacific. 

After his discharge, Herman lived in the Los Angeles area where he met and married his wife of 68 years, Aurora Trujillo.   He is survived by Aurora and his daughters, Bernadette Sanchez, Victoria Martin and Priscilla Ornelas, his sons-in-law, Duane Flegel and Tony Ornelas and by five grandchildren, Caleb Flegel (Kara), Zane Martin (Nevin), Lee Martin (Caitlin), Marisa Ornelas and Matthew Ornelas and three great grandchildren, Brock Flegel, Michelle Martin and Lincoln Martin.  He is also survived by his sister, Dolly Sanchez de Rivera of Albuquerque and his brothers, Billy Sanchez (Allen Stuart) and Henry Sanchez (Melanie) of California and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law, Emma and Lawrence Valencia and his son-in-law Gerald Martin. 

Herman and his family returned to New Mexico in 1960 where he worked for the Los Alamos National Labs for almost 20 years.  In 1979 he started his own electrical contracting business, Aurora Electric.  He owned and operated this business for many years until he started working at the New Mexico Department of Transportation  in 1991.   Herman worked on, and completed, many projects that he was proud of, including the upgrade and maintenance of highway rest stops in New Mexico and the upgrade of traffic signals and street lighting throughout the state which resulted in cost savings and had a positive environmental impact. 

Herman enjoyed his weekly golf games and made many life-long friends on the golf course and throughout his days in Santa Fe.  A rascal and a rogue but also a gentleman and scholar, Herman was very interested in many different subjects and continued to read and learn throughout his life.    He had a personality and stature that were larger than life and he was a true friend who had a gentle side to him that we all could depend on.

Our family expresses their deepest gratitude to the staff and volunteers of Scott’s House and Ambercare Hospice who watched over Herman these last few months. In particular, we thank Philip, Tsering, Sherry, Carol, Judy, Mary, Samuel, Jenna,  Gina, Kathy, Judy and Glenys Carl and John Bishop of Scott’s House and Stephanie, Haide and Dr. Thron with Ambercare for their care of Herman.  Their efforts were of great help and comfort to him and his family. 

Funeral services will be held at Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community on Friday, June 17th, 2022 at 10:00 am.  A rosary will precede the Mass at 9:30 a.m.  His internment will be held at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date.   Honorary pallbearers are Dan Hagan, Danilo Nova, Edward Romero, John Di Ruggiero, Ernie Ortega and his five grandchildren.

 In lieu of flowers, our family would greatly appreciate that donations in Herman’s name be made to Scott’s House at scottshouse.org or mailed to them at 287 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, NM  87505.