Ricardo Anthony Sanchez

“Rick”

September 25, 1959– September 21, 2024

Rick is how everyone knew him. Rick lived his whole life in the San Gorgonio Pass. After a long medical battle, Ricardo Sanchez (Rick) was called Home by Our Lord late Saturday evening on September 21, 2024. Rick was a beloved brother, son, father, uncle, cousin, and the fiercest of friends. His love for people, especially family and friends, ran deep. Rick was always full of life, energy, with a brilliant signature smile and personality that people would instantly gravitate towards, and oh don't forget that unforgettable laugh !!!

Rick got the first name Ricardo from his father, Samuel Sr., who was a truck driver in the desert. Upon arriving at an address in Palm Springs, California Samuel Sr. met with the homeowner and was informed that the house was locked. Since the house was a recent purchase they had to wait for the house to be unlocked. To pass the time the owner and Samuel Sr. played checkers until the house was unlocked and the truck could be unloaded. Samuel Sr. never forgot the kindness of the homeowner and named his second son after him. The homeowner's name was legendary actor Ricardo Montalban.

Rick was a superstar athlete in all sports from the early days in Junior All-American Football pee wee which were the Beaumont Pirates and the Midget Beaumont Buccaneers, high school football Beaumont Cougars, baseball Little League (Pee Wee Jets), Minors (Phillies), 3 years in the Majors (7-Uppers), Pony League (The Stars), high school baseball Beaumont Cougars (All-De Anza League as a Designated Hitter), and basketball at Beaumont High School. As an adult, Rick was the long-time 2nd baseman of the Fast Pitch Softball Beaumont Coyotes #13. Rick later played men's fast pitch softball with the Coors Royals of San Bernardino. His nickname, The Snake, demonstrated his illusive athletic ability, speed, agility, spirit, and fiery attitude while on the field. Rick also played on the Riverside County Fire Co-ed Softball Blasters for a number of years, as well as many Fast-Pitch and SLO-Pitch teams in the Pass Area. Rick was a sought after 2nd baseman in many softball tournaments..

Rick was an avid sports fan. His favorite teams were the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Kings, and Los Angeles Lakers. He would always wear the sportswear and gear of his favorite teams.

Rick was an accomplished brick and block mason working for Carlos Sanchez Masonry. Many houses in Orange County, California, the Inland Empire, and the San Gorgonio Pass have Rick's artistry upon them. For years, Rick was a heavy equipment mechanic for Cherry Valley Sanitation. Rick also worked many years as the site foreman in the rock quarry at Whitewater Rock and Supply Company.

Rick loved being part of two great Pass Area families, the Sanchez and Valdivia families. Rick always attended parties, events, and functions with both families. Rick is preceded in death by his father Samuel Sanchez Sr., mother Fleurette Suzanne Valdivia, brother Carlos Enrique Sanchez, maternal grandparents Howard and Sally Young, paternal grandparents Jesus and Guadalupe Sanchez, aunts Suzanne Hirsch, Nannette Valdivia (Richard), Paulette Dominguez and many other relatives and friends in Heaven who are waiting to embrace him. Rick is survived by his son Ricky, dad Thomas Valdivia, brothers Samuel "Sammy" Sanchez Jr. (Gina), Michael Valdivia, Matthew Valdivia, nieces Randi Sanchez Albright (Rob), Brittany Valdivia Piersant (Tyler), Brianna Valdivia Trejo (Ray), Brandee Valdivia Sandoval (David), Skylar Valdivia (Abel), Sydney Valdivia, nephews Jace Sanchez, Ryan Valdivia (Maria), Ethan Valdivia, two great nieces, eight great nephews, and many close cousins and relatives.

Rick's greatest joy was becoming a father. Rick was very proud of his son, Ricky, and all of Ricky's accomplishments and successes. Rick's legacy will live on through his son Ricky, his dad, his brothers, and his many nieces, nephews, and cousins. We will forever cherish the many memories we shared that will last for eternity. Though he is sorely missed and we are devastated, we take solace in that he is in God's capable hands and care. We will see him again. Fly with the angels, we love you brother!

A visitation for Ricardo will be held Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Weaver Mortuary & Crematory located at 1177 Beaumont Avenue, Beaumont, CA 92223. A rosary and funeral mass will occur Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church located at 1234 Palm Avenue, Beaumont, CA 92223. A graveside burial will occur Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Mountain View Cemetery located at 1315 Edgar Avenue, Beaumont, CA 92223. A Celebration of Rick's Life (reception) will be held on Thursday November 7, 2024 from 12:00-4:00 p.m. at The Grange Cherry Valley Community Center located at 10478 Beaumont Avenue, Cherry Valley, CA 92223. Anyone that attends the service is encouraged to wear Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Dodgers, or Los Angeles Kings sportswear in Ricardo's honor.