Hermenes "Herman" Sanchez, age 80,  passed away in his home surrounded by his loved ones on Tuesday, September 13, 2022.  Herman was born in Albuquerque but was a lifelong resident of his family's ancestral community, Los Padillas, NM.

Herman was preceded in death by his parents, Avelino Sanchez and Felicita Moraga Sanchez;  son Anthony "Tony" Sanchez; brothers Avelino Sanchez, Jr. and Crespin Sanchez; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his children Herman Sanchez, Jr., Theresa Sanchez and son-in-law Carl Callus; grandchildren, Ashley Sanchez, Alyssa Iverson, Joshua Sanchez: grand-daughter-in-law Alexandra;  great-grandchildren, Aaliyah and Anthony Sanchez.  Herman was the fourth eldest of thirteen children, and is survived by his sister, Catalina Blea; brother Miramon Sanchez and wife Josephine; sister Anita Padilla and husband Julian; brother Billy Sanchez and wife Mary; sister Ercelia Pena and husband Jim; sister Adella Gallegos and husband James; brother Gilbert Sanchez and wife Kristine; sister Irene Owensby and husband Ron; brother Antonio Sanchez and wife Jeanette, and sister Merlinda Trujillo and husband Robert, along with many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

After Herman graduated from Rio Grande High School in 1961, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served his country until he was honorably discharged in 1965.  His service as an Air Policeman took him overseas to England and Spain and ended at Whiteman Air Force Base in Knobnoster, Missouri, where he met his future wife and the mother of his three children, Juni Daugherty. Herman returned home with his wife and baby after receiving an Honorable Discharge.  He entered the Albuquerque Fire Department's 15 ^th Cadet Class in March, 1967 and graduated on June 2, 1967.  He served his community for 23 years until he retired as Captain from Fire Station No. 1. in December, 1990.  During this time, Herman continued his education and received an Associate of Science Degree in Fire Technology from the University of Albuquerque in 1975.

Herman will be remembered as a generous, hardworking man and a mentor to many.  As a young boy, he started working on a local farm before and after school to help support his family.  While working for the AFD, Herman obtained his General Contractor's License and worked repairing, remodeling, and building new homes.  After retiring, Herman continued his public service working as a contractor for the American Red Cross, making emergency and other home repairs for those in need.  During his entire career, Herman often held two or three jobs at one time. He worked at many of Albuquerque's finer hotels, where he charmed everyone with his friendly personality, great smile and funny sense of humor.

Herman will receive a Firefighters' Funeral with Military Honors.  Following the funeral mass, the "Last Alarm" fire truck will carry Herman to his final resting place at the Los Padillas Cemetery.

Viewing on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at Ascension Catholic Church, 2150 Raymac Rd., SW, Albuquerque.  Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. also at Ascension Catholic Church.  Graveside burial service immediately following at Los Padillas Cemetery, 2820 Los Padillas Rd, SW.  Pallbearers, Nephews Jimmy Blea, Andrew Montano, Chris Sanchez, David Trout, Michael Sanchez and Matthew Sanchez.

Should friends and family desire, flowers may be sent to Ascension Catholic Church, 2150 Raymac Rd., SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105.