Bonifacio Sanchez

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bonifacio Sanchez. He went home to Our Heavenly Father on Sunday morning, November 2, 2025. Bonifacio was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many. Bonifacio was born in 1928, on the 24th of April, in Puerto de Luna, New Mexico to Isidro Sanchez Sr. and Olympia Cordova Sanchez. Bonifacio and his siblings were raised on a ranch. He learned many valuable skills and trades from working on the ranch. Bonifacio and his family moved to Bernalillo in the early 1950s. This is where he met the love of his life, Amantina Sandoval. They got married on October 3, 1953. Before Amantina passed on November 28 (Thanksgiving Day), in 2014, they were married for seventy-one years. Together, Bonifacio and Amantina raised three daughters, Marilyn Garcia (husband, Anthony), Carmen Casaus, and Viola Perea (Husband, Joe). Bonifacio loved and cherished his grandchildren - Lorenzo Casaus, Jr. Perea, and great-grandchildren Mia Casaus, Angelina Casaus, Alfred Bonifacio Ashe. He is survived by his brother, Freddie Sanchez (wife, Katie), sister, Dolores Vallejos, (husband, Horatio Lopez) and sister, Dora Chavez. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Bonifacio was a devout Catholic and servant to Our Lord. He faithfully prayed consistently everyday, to Our Heavenly Father for his family, friends, and everyone in the world. He had a generous heart and wanted to share the gifts Our Lord had given him to everyone who was in need. He truly did his best to follow the Will of Our Lord. He frequently said, "if you have two dollars, and you see someone who is in need of one dollar, take one dollar and give it to him. " Bonifacio would always take time to help family, friends, and strangers, alike.

Bonifacio served in the United States Army in Korea from 1946 until 1950. He worked as a medic and was very proud of the skills and knowledge he had acquired. He was able to take these skills and further increase them to help others as needed throughout his lifetime. Bonifacio worked for the Bernalillo Public Schools from the mid 1960s until the early 1990s when he retired. He started as a custodian and worked his way up to a maintenance man. Along the way he learned various valuable skills. He was a "Jack of All Trades, Master of Many". He was a mentor to many students who reached out to him for advice. He brought these skills into his community, and gave them to anyone who came to him for assistance. Bonifacio was Volunteer Fireman for the Town of Bernalillo from the 1960s to the 1970s. There were times when he took the role of Santa Claus on Christmas day, and gave bags of goodies to the boys and girls. This was a grand time for all. Bonifacio was an active member of the Sandoval County Sherriff's Posse from the 1970s until he passed. He made a great number of friends during this time. Bonifacio was a member of the Knights of Columbus with Our Lady Of Sorrows Catholic Church. This was very dear to him because it is where he and Amantina got married, and where his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren attended.

Bonifacio was preceded in death by his wife, Amantina, his twin sons, Andres and Bonifacio Jr., (born and died February 28, 1956), his parents, Isidro Sanchez Sr. and Olympia Cordova Sanchez, siblings, Daniel Sanchez, Isidro Sanchez Jr., Alfonso Sanchez, Ismeal Sanchez, Ernestina Rodriguez, and Louise Baca.

Bonifacio will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched. His legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Rest in peace Our Guardian Angel. We love you forever.