Richard J. Sanchez was born on November 27, 1934, in Denver, Colorado, to Soloman and Lucinda Sanchez. He was one of twelve children and is survived by his sister, Fay Santillanes.

Richard shared 72 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Joan M. Sanchez. He was a devoted father to Amada “Mandy” Herring and her husband Richard, Arlene Sanford and her husband John, Martha Sanchez and her husband Eddie, and Tonya Sanchez and her wife Leeanne.

He was preceded in death by his children, Barbara Napier and Gregory Sanchez.

He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 1 on the way, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

He retired from the grocery business in 2007 as a produce manager. For 18 years, he sold honey at Temperance and Belmont and became known as “The Honeyman” in the Fresno and Clovis community.

Richard will be remembered for his hard work, his devotion to his family, and the light he brought into the lives of all who knew him.