Luis Angel Sanchez

Luis Angel Sánchez, affectionately known as "Tato", was born on July 8, 1946, in Manatí, Puerto Rico, to Maria Elena and Carmelo Sánchez. From there, he was sent to New York and stayed in the Bronx for a few years. That's where he discovered his lifelong love for the New York Yankees, a passion he proudly passed down to his children as a family tradition.

Tato served honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam war. Upon returning home to Puerto Rico, he later moved to the Bronx, New York, and then to Los Angeles, California, where he built a life rooted in love, hard work, music, and family.

Throughout his life, Tato worked tirelessly to provide for those he loved, taking on any job he needed to, always with dedication and pride. He held a variety of roles, including warehouse work, painting and cable installation.

In addition to his love for baseball, Tato's heart belonged to salsa music. He never missed a concert when the greats came to Los Angeles - Fania All-Stars, Oscar D'León, Héctor Lavoe, and others. His home was always filled with the rhythm of salsa, the laugher of domino games, and the warmth of friends and family. A passionate ball player, Tato also played first base on many softball teams with fellow transplanted New Yorkers who became lifelong friends.

Above all, Tato's greatest love was his family. He was a proud father to Angel Luis Sanchez (Pito), Johanna Sanchez, Lisette Sanchez, Jason, Gino and Gian Sanchez, Linda and Maxine Sanchez.

Preceded in death by his mother, Maria Elena; father, Carmelo Sanchez; sister Maria Milagros Rodriquez; nephew, Juan Carlos Beltran ("Papo"); aunt, Altagracia Menendez ("Tita"); grandson, Roshawn D. Banks; granddaughter, Chauntee L. Long and son, Jason Michael Nowakowski.

Luis is survived by his loving wife, Flora Martínez-Sánchez; his daughters, Johanna Sanchez, Lisette Sanche, Linda and Maxine Sanchez; his sons, Angel Luis Sancez (Pito), Jason, Gino and Gian Sanches; and a host of cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tato lived his life to the fullest - surrounded by love, laugher, music and family, whether by blood or by bond. He will be deeply missed, forever loved and always remembered in the hearts of those who knew him.