Steven Sanchez
December 26, 1938 - May 3, 2023
Steven Sanchez 84, of Riverside CA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, surrounded by his wife and daughters. Steven was born in El Paso Texas and raised in Maricopa, Arizona. In 1960, he relocated to California and moved to Riverside in 1964.
Steven is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ester, his daughters, Lisa (Jimmy) Deen of Gentry, Arkansas, Stephanie Reese-Hollingsworth of Pea Ridge, Arkansas and his daughters by marriage, Deena (Jose) Aguirre of Moreno Valley and Mia McBride of Riverside and his mother-in-law Lina Martinez of Riverside.
Steven is also survived by his brothers, Tony Sanchez of Phoenix, Arizona, Pete Sanchez of Chino Valley, Arizona, and Johnny Sanchez of Rialto, California. Sisters, Rosie Martinez of Phoenix, Arizona, Frasia Williams of Taylor, Arizona, Nellie Aguilar of Fresno, California, Lupe Shimabukuro of Riverside, Frances Lebario of Santa Maria, California and Ruth Acosta of Fresno, California.
Steven was preceded in death by his parents Juan and Leonides Sanchez, brother Samuel Sanchez and sisters Ramona Tapia, Janie Rodriquez, Mary Lou Sanchez and Trinidad Byrd.
In 1982, Steven and Ester were baptized at the Arlington Seventh Day Adventist church blending their families. Steven was blessed with 13 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, son-in-law, brother-in-law, friend, and neighbor. Steven was a “special” uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Like Jesus, Steven was a carpenter starting Sanchez Brothers Construction with his brothers in 1974. He then went off on his own as Sanchez Construction in 1978. In 1994, he moved to Arizona joining his brother Pete as S&P Construction. He retired in California in 2001 but never stopped helping others when a building need arose. Steven enjoyed many activities, boating, skiing, motorcycle riding and horseback riding. In his retirement, he became an avid golfer and was a member of the Travelers Golf Club for many years.
Steven cherished his visits to Arkansas spending time with his daughters and his grandchildren attending college football games, golfing and enjoying competitive ping pong games.
In 2017, his dementia progressed but he never lost his wit, continued to build homes in his mind, played his harmonica, sang songs making up his own lyrics and shared his love for the Lord. He made a difference in many people’s lives with his generosity and caring ways, and he will be deeply missed.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 3:00 PM at the Arlington Seventh Day Adventist Church, 8778 Magnolia Ave. Riverside CA 92503. Reception immediately following in the church gymnasium.
