It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Antonio A. Sanchez. Antonio passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, after a brief stay at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center in Rio Rancho. Antonio was born on Jan. 1, 1943, to Anselmo Sanchez and Josie Nelson Sanchez. Antonio was united in marriage to Lucy Romero Sanchez on May 13, 1967, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.Antonio graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1961, and then attended New Mexico Highlands University, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in business. He also furthered his education at The University of New Mexico and Luna Community College. Antonio was a volunteer firefighter for the Santa Rosa Fire Department as well as for the E. Romero Hose and Fire Department in Las Vegas.Throughout his life he worked as a social worker with the New Mexico Department of Social Services, as a counselor with the NM Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, and as an adult probation and parole officer with the New Mexico Department of Corrections. Antonio was a U.S. Army military recruiter and mental health resource case manager. He retired from the U.S. Army after 26 years of service in the National Guard, active duty and reserve.Antonio is preceded in death by his parents, Anselmo and Josie N. Sanchez; his brother, Al Nelson; nieces, Mariah Sanchez and Naomi Romero; nephew, Troy Pino; and brothers-in-law, Arturo Sandoval and George Griego.Surviving Antonio are his wife, Lucy; his daughters, Laureen D. Romero and husband, Rudy, and Lyrisa Sanchez and husband, Eric, Aragon; siblings: twin sister, Mary Ann and husband, Dennis Weide, Mamye Sandoval, Gerald Sanchez, Evelyn Griego, Rudy Sanchez, Bernadette and husband, Malcolm Foster, Lorraine and husband, Nick Kavanaugh, and Michael D. Sanchez and wife, Kim. Surviving also are his grandchildren, Steve A. Lovato, Sheila E. Saiz (William), Laticia Aragon, Mark Saiz and Avarie Aragon; great-grandson, Nick Lovato and a soon-to-be great-grandchild. Antonio is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and brothers and sisters-in-law.Antonio was an avid reader who enjoyed hunting and fishing and also watching westerns and military movies.Cremation has taken place and a private burial will be held at a later date at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe.Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home; 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa; 575-472-3369.