William "Bill" Sanchez

William "Bill" Sanchez, passed away peacefully, on Saturday, May 13, 2017, at the age of 73, under the care of Passages Hospice in New Orleans, after a long illness. Bill was beloved husband of the late Norma Mitchell Sanchez, father of Joseph Junius Sanchez, and William Jared Sanchez. He was a resident of Home Life in the Gardens with his son Jared. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Junius Sanchez and Elizabeth Sylvia Payne Sanchez, and his brother, Andrew Sanchez. He is survived by his siblings, George Sanchez (Jane), Sandra Mckinney, Louise Hooper (Paul), Elizabeth "Nonnie" Penny (Dan), Mary Sanchez, Joseph Sanchez (Monica), Margaret Rowena Sanchez, Paul Sanchez, and John Sanchez (Abbey); as well as his grandchildren, Christina Sanchez-Hebert (Kyle) and Joleen Sanchez, his great-grandchildren, Tessa, Emma Leigh & Alexander; also, his daughter-in-law Kathleen McInnis and a host of nieces and nephews. William J “Bill” Sanchez was born August 1, 1943, in New Orleans, Louisiana where he graduated from Warren Easton High. After serving in the United States Air Force for four years, Bill applied for employment with the New Orleans Fire Department and was accepted on December 13, 1966. He served over 25 years on the NOFD, retiring at the position of Fire Captain on Engine Company 8. He served as Vice President, then President of New Orleans Fire Fighters Local 632 for over 15 years. He also served as a trustee and Board President on the New Orleans Fire Fighters Pension Fund for multiple terms. Bill worked on many committees and served in many capacities for the International Association of Fire Fighters. Bill also served on the executive boards for the Louisiana and Greater New Orleans AFL-CIO. Bill Sanchez worked tirelessly in the State Legislature and at New Orleans City Hall securing many of the benefits and safety measures Fire Fighters in the City of New Orleans and Statewide maintain today. Bill is highly respected and held in high esteem by all the members he represented. His career was spent assisting, directing and creating better lives and benefits for Fire Fighters and working men and women. He was a tough fighter, never backed down and will always be remembered. Bill will surely be missed and we will never forget. A gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday, May 18, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m with a Memorial Mass to begin at 11:00 a.m., in the Chapel at Lake Lawn Metairie, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, La. In lieu of flowers, it is asked that memorial donations in his honor, be made to St. Michael Special School, 1522 Chippewa Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, www.stmichaelspecialschool.com, in the name of his much-loved Son, Jared. Interment will be at a later date.