Richard Sanchez, age 87, a resident of Des Plaines since 1984 passed away January 21, 2026. He was born May 13, 1938 in Chicago to Toribio and Manuela (Villalpando) Sanchez. Beloved father of John (Theresa), Linda (Russell), William and Rick Jr. Proud grandfather Liz, Christine, Jason, Stephen, Justin, and Samantha; great-grandfather of Adam, Jonathan, Kelsey, Billy, Jimmy, Luke, Logan, Dominic, and Ariana; and great-great grandfather of Camilla and Isabelle. Loving brother of Liz and Virginia. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Martha and his son, Bill, and his siblings, Al, Fred, Ralph, and Rachel.

Richard proudly served our country and is a veteran of the United States Army. A gentle soul, he spent many years as a professional truck driver and was proud to be a member of the Teamsters Union. He loved playing his trumpet and listening to special Mexican music. Richard enjoyed camping, traveling, and driving his Winnebago, especially on family trips throughout Wisconsin and beyond. He cherished playing chess and camping with his children and grandchildren and was a loving role model to all of them. Richard loved all his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews alike.  He was well known for his kindness, generous heart and warm smile and would do anything for those he loved.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 9:30 am until 10:30 am at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines. Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 am at St. Mary Church, 794 Pearson St., Des Plaines. Entombment in Maryhill Cemetery, Niles. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Richard's name to St. Mary Church or to Veterans Affairs, https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/ . For information, please call the funeral home at 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.