JOHN ANDRADE SANCHEZ JR.

May 27, 1935 – June 13, 2026.

John A. Sanchez Jr., age 91, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 27, 1935, in Visalia, California, to parents John and Lucy Sanchez. John married the love of his life, Candi Banuelos, on December 9,1957 and they enjoyed 68 wonderful years of life raising four children. John was drafted in the US Army and served in Korea ’58-’60 and the Berlin Crisis ’61-‘62 and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. John worked hard all his life in construction, as an Assemblyman at the Ford Motor Co., as a pool plasterer and as an evening Custodian at several elementary schools. John was a member of the AMVETS Post 56, The American Legion, VFW, American GI Forum and was a Tulare Honor Guard for many years, becoming a Commander. John was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Eucharistic Minister and Usher at St. Rita’s Church for many years. John was an avid athlete; he was a long-distance runner and wrestled in high school. He continued his passion for running into his 60’s, he also enjoyed cycling, biathlons, weight-lifting, boxing and was an assistant coach for the Manuel Torres Tulare Boxing Club. John was a man of faith and lived his life devoted to God and family. John loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with his whole heart. John was funny and loved to make family & friends laugh any chance he got. John loved Oldies but Goodies music and was a great dancer, he was well-known for his “James Brown” dance moves, he was the “life of the party”. John was preceded in death by his parents and 10 of his 12 siblings. He is survived by his wife Candi, and children Rita Santiago (Ossie), Liz Briseno (Al), Cindy Costa and Johnny Sanchez III; also, by 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, and leaves behind his beloved dog, Chico. His first great-great grandchild will be born in November. John is also survived by a brother, Larry Sanchez, and a sister, Rosie Hurley. John was also a die-hard 49er fan since the early 60’s, attending many games over the years. His larger-than-life personality, devotion to God and family will remain in us forever, he is already greatly missed.

Recitation of the Rosary will be held Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Peers-Lorentzen,132 W, Kern Ave., Tulare

Mass of the Resurrection will be held Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 125 East Pleasant Ave., Tulare, with burial at the Old Cemetery, 900 E. Kern Ave., Tulare