Armando Raul Sanchez

On Sunday, October 6, 2024, Armando Raul Sanchez (age 82) transitioned from this world peacefully, passing away in his beloved home in Jerome, surrounded by family and friends.  Armando, Dad, Bompa, Mando — however you knew him — was a charismatic and kind man with an unmistakable smile.  He could walk into a room and effortlessly fill it with a sense of peace and welcoming.  He was an amazing athlete, wonderful father, and friend. 

     Armando was born in Jerome AZ on September 9, 1942, as the third of four children to Victor and Margaret Sanchez.  Armando was proud of his hometown and upbringing, and pridefully always considered Jerome home. When the mines closed in the 1950’s, Victor and Margaret moved the family to Phoenix.  He grew up close to his family and attended Garfield and Edison primary schools, then Phoenix Union High School (PUHS).

     Much like his siblings, Armando grew up an outstanding athlete. He played football and wrestled all four years at PUHS from 1957-1960. Some of his most notable athletic achievements included being the 1960 Arizona State Champion Wrestler (175 lbs) and being voted to the 1960 Arizona All-State Football Team. Following high school, Armando took his talents to Phoenix College, where he had an illustrious athletic career highlighted by being named the captain of the 1961 Phoenix College football team, as well as being recognized as a Junior College All-American. After the 1961 season, Armando was offered a scholarship to play for one of the greatest college coaches ever, John McKay, at the University of Southern California. Mando thrived as a two-way star — an anomaly in today’s game — where he played center on offense, and middle linebacker on defense. During his time at USC, Armando played in one of the greatest Rose Bowl games on January 1st, 1962, in Pasadena, CA, with USC capping off an undefeated season with a 42-37 victory over Wisconsin. USC outscored their opponents 261-92 that season on their way to being crowned National Champions. Later in life, Armando was an avid tennis player, runner, cyclist, swimmer and helped to form Arizona's first rugby team. 

     Armando graduated from USC in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, which he used to spend his career serving people of all walks of life. Professionally he worked with the Native American community in Flagstaff, AZ, then began his career in Tucson as a vocational counselor for the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. This was followed by Armando becoming a director at the Regional Reemployment Center (RRC) and during his tenure, the RRC was the model for a new federal policy on how to provide several humanitarian services under one entity. After a successful career, he retired and went to work with a former employee of RRC at KOG Associates, Inc. Throughout his professional career, and life, Armando was a man of passion and love for all people. He cared deeply for helping the unemployed and dislocated, and he mentored people from all different backgrounds, offering his time and a helping hand to anyone in need. He was a man who would give the shirt (usually Hawaiian) off his back to anyone in need.

     Armando married Judith Teisl and they had two daughters, Lisa, and Justine. The family traveled extensively and lived in many places including Southern and Northern California, Flagstaff, Bisbee, Tucson, and Mexico. Mando became a father once again, when his third daughter Terese was born in 2000.  

     Mando traveled, both domestically and internationally, enjoying touring and scuba diving in various tropical locations like Fiji. He eventually retired and returned to his birthplace of Jerome, where he became an irreplaceable and beloved member of the community.  He spent his final years, days and hours peacefully enjoying his incredible view in the town that he adored so much. Armando is survived by his former wife Judith Teisl, his daughters Lisa Sanchez Trask (Quinn, Charley, and Henry), Justine Sanchez and son-in-law Mike Pendy (Ruby and Jake), Terese Sanchez, his brother Victor, and his sisters Rena and Karen, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Armando is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Victor and Margaret, and his nieces Vicky, Robin, and Melaura. He will be celebrated on November 26th, at the Shalimar Golf Club in Tempe (5-8 pm) and again on November 29th at his home in Jerome (open house 5-8 pm). In lieu of flowers, donations to the Haven Food Pantry, at Historic Haven Methodist in Jerome, AZ, are welcome.

  We miss and love you dad and hope your journey has been a peaceful and smooth one. 

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