Dr. M. Sanchez

Dr. George M. Sanchez, 85, passed away on March 7th, 2015, after recovering from open heart surgery in February. He was born on February 22, 1930, in Miami, Arizona, where he married his sweetheart Bertha "Bebe" Muñoz before volunteering  for the Army and returned to start his academic venture to become an optometrist and start his family with Bebe. After completing pre-optometry at ASU, he then attended UC Berkeley where he earned his doctorate degree. George and Bebe then settled down in Tempe, AZ. Dr. Sanchez was also a devoted advocate for education, serving over 15 years as a board member for the Tempe Elementary School District, two of which as president. He continued his commitment to education as an active board member on the Tempe Impact on Education Foundation.  Always wanting to improve the education system in Tempe, his life mission was promoting one's self-worth, individuality and potential. His kind and giving ways were matched only by his unique sense of humor and ability to make even a stranger feel welcome. Spending time with George was truly a treat and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by wife Bebe; children Susan, Annette, and Gary; grandchildren Megan, Alex, Brandon, Melody, Joshua, Rio, Sydney, and Georgio; siblings Joaquin, Tony, Joe, and Annie. He was preceded in death by his son Vincent; sister Gloria; and parents José and Anita. A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 2 at 11am with visitation starting at 10am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Tempe. Burial will be at Tempe Double Buttes Cemetery at 2pm.