Steph was a kind and caring friend, a gracious host, and a passionate ball player.  He had a rare sort of presence that could always put a smile on your face, even (maybe especially) while trash talking you behind home plate as you were up to bat.  I will dearly miss seeing him with the Hellbirds and on visits to Baltimore.  The Dock Ellis League has lost a shining star.  My condolences to his family and those who were close with him.

This is a true tragedy and a huge loss. Stephen was so young. He seems to have lived his life to the fullest while  he was here. I recall the years after we moved  into the neighborhood, all of the boys the same age running around and playing in the street, having fun.  Although he is not here with us in physical form, the  bond between  Stephen and his friends and family will never be broken because of the deep love that they shared.  Our deepest and sincere condolences to all who loved and miss him- the Giroux  family- Michael, Christine. Stefan, Emory.

We made snow angels this day. 
You will always be your families angel watching over from above.
 And to be honest, you were my sister and I’s angel on earth. 
But now you must continue your journey from above. Love forever Stephen-Teresa&Marie Cole. 

Sending condolences and healing prayers to Stephen’s family and friends. May your cherished memories give you some comfort in your grief .

To the Sanchez Family,
We wish to express our sincere condolences for the loss of your son.  Know that you are all in our thoughts.  The memories of all the boys (and sometimes the dads) all playing basketball and skateboarding (okay, not the dads!)  bring smiles to our faces.
The Mejia Family,  Dave, Karen, and Kevin

Stephen was one of the first people I met at poker on Thursday’s with Dobson. They were such a deeply kind soul and taught me how to play that night and I thank Stephen for that night every day. I am grateful to have known Stephen. While not long it was incredible to know him and be his friend. May he rest easy and get a royal flush every day now and snake eyes ❤️

I’d like to extend my condolences to Steph’s family. I’m from the Pounders baseball team in Pittsburgh and I was crushed to hear of the loss of number 13. We have such fond memories of Steph, such a winner in every way. His smile was infectious and his loss of being felt strongly through our whole baseball community. We will miss Stephen so much, hope you all are hanging in there. 

I didn’t know Stephen well, but felt his warmth and radiant energy from the moment I met him. His light remains a powerful memory. Sending his family and friends much love. 

When trying to write a personal memorial, and reflect on the qualities Stephan contributed to my life….  I found a difficult time putting this into words, because the unique and incredibly rare quality he had, was a feeling. 
When I would come home from work after a difficult day…. I would be tired and burnt out, and Stephen would be there with my cousins, I never felt “we have company.”
When he would be coming over, I would think “Oh, Cool, Stephan is home!”
Reflecting on that feeling, I realized that it wasn’t just myself, it is a quality that he carried with him everywhere he went.
When we would be out at different places, where ever it would be, what he brought with him was a natural sense of peace and security.
He could empathize selflessly.
Listen and advise, without judgment or pretense. 
He loved us genuinely, for exactly who we each were. Inclusive of our whole person; our self judgments would fade away. 
He did so without expectations. He only would want each of us to find our own happiness, what ever that meant individually.
He could provide security and safety, in a way that would never minimize our individuality or capability. 
He taught us what it means to be a friend. He taught us secure attachment.
A few years ago I got a message on my phone, it was Stephan! Instant smiles! 
He was on his way home from California, and if I was free, wanted to come through Phoenix to visit me! Like I would ever not have been free?!
We had not regularly kept in touch. Sometimes in life that is just how things go. It had been years. 
I have social anxiety, and this could have been stressful in many contexts. 
We got to hang out for a couple days, I got to tattoo him, share new music we had been listening to, etc.
Those years in between, felt like yesterday.
That difficult to describe feeling and rare quality he brought to everyone, everywhere, because of who he was….
That is the feeling of home. 


Stephen, you were the best and I will always cherish the fun times we shared.

I didn’t get a chance to know Stephen for a long time, but the time I had with him was a joy. Stephen’s energy was infectious- he lit up a room. He helped me feel safe during a time when safety was hard for me to come by. 

We need more people like Stephen in this world. His actions spoke volumes. He will be deeply missed.

Love.

Grateful to have found a friend in him. I'm sad I won't get to wake up to him snoring on the couch anymore, but I'm happy to have ever been in his presence as opposed to not at all. Love you Stephen!!! 💔 

A favorite photo my cousin took of Stephen. He was our families best friend since we were 12 years old skipping youth group to listen to music together 😂😂. Our love is endless for him. He forced me to a comedy show a few weeks ago and I told him I didn’t want to go because I don’t laugh easily. He insisted and it was fantastic, and a beautiful last memory of him. He will be held in my photography and my heart every single day for the rest of my life. 

-Teresa Cole

There are no words for something as heartbreaking as this. Your passing is a huge loss. I wish we had more time. We know you are in a better place now. We miss and love you so much. May you rest in peace, Cousin Stephen.

We ate, we drank, we laughed, we cheered on the Dodgers, we had a great time. I remember giving you the biggest hug in this picture. Love you always baby cousin. Nena

Dear Sanchez Family, 

I knew Stephen for over twenty years, beginning with our days at SRMS Middle School and subsequent visits after moving away from Maryland, which you often hosted so graciously for me (I stayed with you all several times during visits!!). Our shared love of humor, art, film, music, and creativity immediately united Stephen and me. Over time, our hangouts, phone calls, and misadventures in and around Annapolis became more frequent and more treasured. To date, Stephen is still one of the few of my closest friends who drove across the country to visit me here in Kansas City. He drove something like 2,000 miles, and man, did we scarf some pizza that night!! We watched the July 4 fireworks together over the skyline of the Kansas City area in 2016 and ate BBQ together in Kansas City proper. I still have the photos and so many photos and pictures of his brilliant, singular artwork that will forever be a part of me. I want Art and family to know how much Stephen meant to me (and so many), even though I hadn't lived in Maryland recently and hadn't seen him since 2016. Please know I send my deepest, most sincere, and most profound condolences and will continue to create my art the way I believe Stephen would have wanted it. I had the privilege of knowing Stephen well; he was a soft touch and as pure, loyal, courageous, and moral a man, friend, and brother as ever I have had the privilege of knowing. He had a heart made of unfettered, ebullient gold. Last night, I went out to the same BBQ place we went to in 2016 here in Missouri and ordered the same meal I had had with Steph a few years prior -- I ate alone, but not really. Steph will always be a part of me and my life and have a very special place in my heart as I know he will be in the countless lives he touched and impacted and the many people he loved and loved him. Peace, Love, and Blessings to you all now and always. Thinking of you all <3 Jason (Jhah) Alexander

Working alongside Stephen for years was a joy. The number of times he made me laugh or smile is uncountable. His smile and laugh will always be imprinted in my mind. Condolences to the entire family and extended crew. Rest in power Stephen. 

Brett Rhodes 
Baltimore, MD

Belen and Art I’m so sorry to hear of Stephen’s passing —my heart breaks for the loss of your youngest .     Christopher and Art Jr I’m so sorry you loss your little brother.   My heart aches for your whole family.   Deepest condolences and sympathy to you all.   My thoughts and prayers are with you all at the tragic time.  All my love, Laura

OBITUARY

Stephen Michael Sanchez

October 4, 1989 – April 15, 2023

Funeraria del Angel Oxnard

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