John Sanchez
1958 - 2025
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Invite friends and family to read the obituary and add memories.
John "Johnny" Sanchez passed away peacefully at his home in Cathedral City, California, under hospice care on Sunday, November 2, 2025. He was 67 years old. Just weeks before his passing, John was diagnosed with an aggressive form of metastatic cancer. The suddenness of his illness and departure has left those who knew him in deep shock and sorrow.
Born on February 23, 1958, in New York City, John’s unmistakable New York accent was a cherished part of his identity—just thirty seconds into a conversation and you knew exactly where he came from. At the age of eleven, John’s family relocated to Puerto Rico, the homeland of his parents. He carried both places in his heart with immense pride, embracing his heritage as both a New Yorker and a Puerto Rican with joy and conviction.
John shared 28 beautiful years with his devoted life partner, Bill Graber. Their bond was one of enduring love and companionship. Together they built a life filled with laughter, adventure, and deep affection—not only for each other but also for their many rescue animals who were showered with love. Whether strolling through the streets of New York City, traveling to new destinations, enjoying theater (John delighted in reminding friends that they saw the original cast of *Hamilton* on Broadway), or savoring good food with friends, John and Bill found joy in every moment spent together.
John is survived by Bill Graber and the large Graber family who embraced him as one of their own; by his siblings Linda, Stevie, Elaine, and Jeffry; by numerous nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and by many beloved cousins. His presence brought warmth to every gathering and joy to every relationship.
He was preceded in death by his father Juan Jose Sanchez Sr., and his mother Carmen Rivas.
John’s legacy is one of love—love for family, for culture, for animals, for laughter-filled moments with friends—and it will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
Born on February 23, 1958, in New York City, John’s unmistakable New York accent was a cherished part of his identity—just thirty seconds into a conversation and you knew exactly where he came from. At the age of eleven, John’s family relocated to Puerto Rico, the homeland of his parents. He carried both places in his heart with immense pride, embracing his heritage as both a New Yorker and a Puerto Rican with joy and conviction.
John shared 28 beautiful years with his devoted life partner, Bill Graber. Their bond was one of enduring love and companionship. Together they built a life filled with laughter, adventure, and deep affection—not only for each other but also for their many rescue animals who were showered with love. Whether strolling through the streets of New York City, traveling to new destinations, enjoying theater (John delighted in reminding friends that they saw the original cast of *Hamilton* on Broadway), or savoring good food with friends, John and Bill found joy in every moment spent together.
John is survived by Bill Graber and the large Graber family who embraced him as one of their own; by his siblings Linda, Stevie, Elaine, and Jeffry; by numerous nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and by many beloved cousins. His presence brought warmth to every gathering and joy to every relationship.
He was preceded in death by his father Juan Jose Sanchez Sr., and his mother Carmen Rivas.
John’s legacy is one of love—love for family, for culture, for animals, for laughter-filled moments with friends—and it will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
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