RICHARD "RICH" SANCHEZ

Richard “Rich” Sanchez was a man whose heart beat with kindness and whose love left a mark that time will never erase. He carried his family in his soul, his laughter in the wind, and his generosity in his outstretched hands. To know Rich was to be embraced by a steady warmth, a light that never dimmed, even in life’s hardest moments.

Known as “Papa Rich” by his two grandsons, he was their safe harbor, their storyteller, their playful companion. When the world felt cold, he was the warmth they sought. This past Christmas, their first without him, they honored his memory by transforming their home into a glowing tribute of green lights and a Grinch-themed tree—an homage to the man who playfully called himself the Grinch but whose heart was anything but small.

Rich’s love for his family was fierce and boundless. He adored his daughter, finding joy in every step of her journey and pride in the person she had become. His love extended fully to his bonus son, whom he embraced as his own. Rich didn’t just support them; he celebrated them, speaking of their lives with admiration and a father’s purest pride.

In the kitchen, Rich was an artist. His cooking was more than a meal—it was a love language, a way to bring people together and share his heart in every bite. The aroma of his creations, the warmth of those moments around the table, and the laughter shared over his dishes are memories that will linger long after the plates have been cleared.

Rich was a giver, the kind of person who saw a need and answered it without hesitation. He would give you the shirt off his back, not for the recognition, but because that’s just who he was. His humor could lift the heaviest hearts, and his words carried a wisdom that left those around him stronger and better for having listened.

Rich’s absence leaves an ache, but his presence lives on in the traditions he inspired, the love he nurtured, and the family he cherished. His spirit lingers in the glow of green lights, in the sound of shared laughter, and in the recipes that now carry his memory.

Rest easy, Rich. The love you gave so freely is still here, holding your family together and lighting their way. You are missed more than words can say and loved beyond measure.