Ernest Hector Sanchez

SANCHEZ - Ernest Hector, 71; Johnstown, passed away on February 15, 2022 at home.  Born October 7, 1950 in Mexico City, Mexico; son of the late Juan Gonzalez and Augustina Zuniga Sanchez de Gonzales.  He entered the USA in 1964 and was adopted by his uncle, Carlos Sanchez and aunt, Lillian Sanchez of Johnstown.  He is survived by loving wife, of 50 years, Kathleen (Speranza) Sanchez of Johnstown; and son, Ernest M. married to Megan (Barkell) Sanchez, of Pittsburgh. Also survived by grandchildren, Joseph, Nicholas and Andrew Sanchez. A brother of Helen, Stella and Jose, all of Mexico.  Also his beloved pets, Bella and Rio.  Ernest attended Johnstown High School and graduated from Greater Johnstown Vo-Tech, Class of 1971.  He served in the U.S. Air Force, and was a proud Vietnam War Veteran.  He later served in the PA Army National Guard 628th, 103rd Armor Div. Retired as Staff Sergeant and Medic, where he received numerous awards and medals.  He worked at Memorial Hospital and retired from Hiram G. Andrews Center, where he was physical education teacher.  A member of the Vietnam Veterans of America and the American Legion.  He was a fan of all Pittsburgh professional sport teams, and the Pitt Panthers and Penn State Nittany Lions.   He loved soccer and coached Bishop McCort and Our Mother of Sorrows girls soccer teams.  He wrote poetry, but what he loved most of all was time with his family. He loved family gatherings with wife, son, daughter-in-law and grandsons.  He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, where Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, the Franciscan Friars OFM Conv.  Committal will follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, where VFW Post 155 Ritual Team will bestow honors. Friends received Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home Inc., Broad Street.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America, in memory of Ernest H. Sanchez.  Condolences may be set at fgozogfuneralhome.com

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