Vincent E. Sanchez of Gilroy, CA passed from this earth on Monday, January 12, 2009, at the age of 90 years. Vincent has joined Martha, the love of his life, who preceded him in death in Nov. 2007. Vincent is survived by his sisters, Lupe Sanchez and Carmen Sanchez of Gilroy. Vincent’s four children Diana McDonald (son-in-law, Bob) of San Jose, Carole Knapel of Eugene, OR, Gary and Steven of Gilroy will miss their father’s good natured spirit and wit. Vincent was also the proud and loving grandfather of eight, great-grandfather of five and uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.
Vincent was born in Riverside, CA on May 9, 1918, to the late Jose and Siria Sanchez. The Sanchez family (Father, Mother, three sons, and three daughters), established residence in Gilroy in 1936. Vincent enlisted the Army in 1941. After completion of boot camp at Fort Knox, KY, he was sent to serve with the 1st Armored Division during WW II in England, Ireland and later, North Africa. On Feb. 14, 1942, Vincent was captured in North Africa and sent to a German POW Camp, Stalag 3–his unbelievable residence for 28 months. He was released at the end of the war and returned home in May 1946. Upon his return, Vincent joined his brothers in their farming partnership and life drifted toward normalcy.
A certain redhead caught his eye and on November 14, 1948, Vincent was happily “captured” by a San Martin resident with German ancestry–Martha Kunkel. Vincent and Martha welcomed four children, raising them on a plot of Gilroy land “in the country”. In the 1960’s, Vincent made a career move, taking a position with the California Employment Development Department. During a well-deserved retirement, Vincent and Martha loved to travel the United States in their fifth wheel, visiting family, friends, and “war buddies”. Always a devoted husband and father, Vincent took on the role of caregiver when Martha became ill. He now re-joins his life-long partner to continue their adventures.
Viewing, Grunnagle’s Funeral Home 870 San Benito St., Hollister, Friday, Jan. 16, 2009 from 1:00-4:00 P.M. and on Saturday Jan. 17, from 10:00-11:00 A.M., at St. Mary’s Chapel, 11 First St., Gilroy. Vigil service will be held at St. Mary’s Chapel, Friday, Jan. 16, beginning at 7:00 P.M. Funeral service will be held at St. Mary’s Church, January 17, 2009 at 11:30 A.M. with burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Vincent’s name to a favorite charity or to St. Mary Catholic Church, Gilroy.
