Joe Sanchez

Courtesy Obituary

Joe A. Sanchez, 88, a Santa Rosa native, passed away peacefully at his family home in Albuquerque, surrounded by his loved ones, on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Joe was born on April 9, 1938, in Santa Rosa, NM to Alfredo C. and Anita Sanchez. He grew up in Santa Rosa alongside his 11 brothers and sisters and graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1957.

Soon after graduation he moved to Amarillo, Texas where he attended barber school, launching a distinguished 50-year career. His journey as a barber took him from Amarillo to Gallup, New Mexico and ultimately to Albuquerque. He eventually took ownership of the Fair Plaza Barber Shop, which he successfully owned and operated for more than 40 years. Throughout his decades behind the chair, he built deep and lasting relationships with his customers, a part of his work that brought him immense joy.

From 1961 to 1967 he proudly served as an active member of the U.S. Army National Guard in Albuquerque. Joe married Gloria Sanchez on November 3, 1962 at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Albuquerque.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents; a brother Stephen Sanchez; and his sister-in-law Lucinda Sanchez.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 64 years, Gloria Sanchez of Albuquerque; his three children and their spouses; Robert Sanchez, Linda Montoya (Alfred) and Dennis Sanchez (Deborah); three grandchildren; Joseph Montoya, Aleah Montoya and Stephanie Sanchzez; and two great-grand-children; Diego and Aubrey. His surviving siblings include Aurora Cordova (Eduardo), Cecilia Salazar, Jimmy Sanchez (Julia), Agneda Espinosa (Bobby), Odilia Martinez (Roman), Mary Jane Giron (Martin), Julia King (Eddie), Alfredo Sanchez Jr. (Prudence), Max Sanchez (Christina) and Eva Crow (Gary). He is also survived by 38 nephews and nieces, as well as having a large extended family and many dear friends.

A Rosary followed by the Funeral Mass will be held at 9am Friday, July 10, 2026 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa. Interment of cremains will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.