It is with profound sadness and loving remembrance, we announce the passing of Jesus “Joe” Sanchez, who passed away peacefully on Sept. 3, 2026, at the age of 89, at Sarah House Hospice facility in his beloved hometown of Santa Barbara.
As a child, Joe lived on Dos Pueblos Ranch in Goleta. Joe was the first of seven siblings; he was the only one born in a hospital — Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara.
Later his family moved to Santa Barbara, where he spent his early years and built the foundation of a life attending schools within the Santa Barbara school district, centered on family, hard work, education and generosity.
Joe decided to leave high school and enlist in the United States Air Force. After returning home from the service, he dated, married and became a devoted husband to his beloved wife Beatrice “Bea” Sanchez, with whom he shared 51 wonderful years of marriage before her passing.
Their life together was built on love, family, perseverance, and countless memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew them.
A hardworking and dedicated provider, Joe worked several jobs throughout his life to care for his family.
Joe owned his own landscaping business and through his determination and perseverance, he went beyond his high school education and eventually earned his bachelor’s degree.
While deeply passionate about landscaping, he often worked weekends, holidays and days off.
Wanting to expand his knowledge and become even better at his craft, Joe took college courses in horticulture, learning more about plants, trees, and the work he loved.
He was always willing to put in the extra effort to provide for the people he loved.
In addition to running his landscaping business, he dedicated 25 years of his career to GTE. He started in the supply department and grew professionally into the sales department, where he became a senior sales consultant in coin-operated telephones.
Some of his greatest achievements were recruiting the state and federal penitentiaries, which led to recruiting the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara County jails, and other large corporations.
Joe was instrumental in allowing inmates to make outgoing calls. The program proved highly successful.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joe will be remembered most for the kindness he showed to others. He was involved with the Sister Cities organization of Santa Barbara, and frequently traveled to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where he participated in charitable efforts.
He sponsored orphanages, helped people experiencing homelessness, and generously gave his time and resources to those in need.
Joe’s greatest pride however, was his family. He is survived by his four siblings Richard Sanchez, Marcy Sanchez Huerta, Margarita Sanchez, and Serene Sanchez Nisperos (Rich); three children Jess, Liz Grand (Larry), and Kathy; 12 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Joe leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, service, generosity, and devotion to family. His life touched many people, from those closest to him to strangers who benefited from his kindness.
Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known him.
May he rest peacefully, surrounded forever by the love he gave so freely to others. Forever loved, forever remembered, forever in our hearts.
A Rosary will take place at 7 p.m. Sept. 17 at Our Lady Of Sorrows Catholic Church, 21 E. Sola St., Santa Barbara. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Sept. 18, also at Our Lady Of Sorrows Catholic Church.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Pueblo Del Rey Funeral Services in Santa Barbara.