Hugo Sanchez

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Tim 4:7-9

Retired US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Legacy INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) Officer, Hugo Luis Sanchez, 59, gained his angel wings on December 16, 2024 at MD Anderson Cancer Treatment Center in Houston, Texas. Hugo “Juice” has completed his earthly journey, having courageously battled cancer for the past 7 years. He is now free of all pain and illness and is now enjoying the reward of the everlasting promise with Jesus Christ in heaven. He will forever be remembered by all who knew him and loved him. May his memory forever be a blessing to all. #TeamHugo #WeWalkByFaith.

Born on October 05, 1965 in Laredo, Texas to Trinidad Sanchez Jr. and Odulia G. Sanchez, Hugo was the youngest of seven siblings. He was preceded in death by his father, Trinidad Sanchez Jr. and niece Cindy Sanchez Pineda.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Gina Ramirez Sanchez, and devoted son Alejandro Gabriel Sanchez. He is survived by his mother Odulia G. Sanchez; brother/sister-in-law Gabriel (Marcia) Ramirez; and siblings Ricardo (Olga) Sanchez, Oscar (Clarissa) Sanchez, Sonia (Gabriel) Sanchez Esquinca, Gabriela (Gustavo) Silva, Javier (Rosario) Sanchez, and Trinidad Sanchez III. 

He is also survived by 22 nieces & nephews, including Ricardo, Michael, Steven Sanchez, Jacob (Diana) Sanchez, Tamara (Ernie) Munoz, Laura (Lenny) Arellano, Richard Vaughn, Michelle Vaughn, Debbie (Paul) Vanherweg, Andrew (Jenny) Silva, Kristy (Gary) Channer, Melissa (Jacob) Herrera, Monica, Rosario Sanchez, Trinidad (Jaclyn) Sanchez, Bobby (Geneve) Sanchez, Rebecca (Eric) Martinez, Jerry, Stephanie, Christina, and Adrian Sanchez.

Hugo also leaves behind 39 grand nieces and nephews and hundreds of friends.

Hugo attended numerous schools including Ryan Elementary, Heights Elementary, Alma Pierce Elementary, Lamar Junior High, JW Nixon Annex, and graduated from Eagle Pass High School. Hugo then attended Laredo Junior College and Texas A & I University in Kingsville. Later in life Hugo attended Lone Star College where he graduated Summa Cum Laude while battling Stage 4 cancer. Hugo’s personal academic achievement provided a full circle journey for him while inspiring so many. 

In June of 1997, Hugo set out to start his professional career working with US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in Laredo, Texas. Hugo had a distinguished career with the Laredo INS sector receiving many accolades and awards. Hugo became a Legacy INS officer in 2008 when the agency merged with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Hugo worked at multiple ports during his tenure at CBP including Laredo, Texas (1997-2006), Vancouver, BC, Canada (2006-2012), and Houston, Texas (2012-2018). While at those ports, Hugo was selected for multiple details including Montana, Vermont, Washington, DC, Washington State, and numerous others. These experiences allowed him to make countless connections and hundreds of friends throughout the world.

Hugo, also known as “Juice” by many of his co-workers, friends, and family left an impression on so many. He never knew a stranger. His amazing demeanor, kindness, and faith will forever leave an imprint in our hearts. Our family lost an incredible husband, father, brother, uncle, co-worker, and friend this December, but heaven gained an angel. 

A very special thank you to the amazing medical staff at MD Anderson Cancer Treatment Center including Dr. Benny Johnson, Dr. Ryan Huey, Brittany Bowell, Jennifer Tran, Supportive Care Team, Palliative Care Team, Cardiopulmonary Team, Endocrinology Team, and the chemotherapy team at MD Anderson the Woodlands. We would also like to thank Dr. Kevin Oguayo, Cardiologist from the Wellspire Medical Group. We also need to thank all our prayer warriors throughout the world. We are forever grateful. #TeamHugo, #PrayerWarriorsforHugo.

Final thanks are to our circle of friends and family that made our life easier during our cancer journey. Thank you, Caren & Guy Barnes, Ali, Debbie, & Danny Theriot, Gabriel & Marcia Ramirez, Gaby & Gustavo Silva, Trini Sanchez III, Mireya & David Walmsley, Marissa Rodriguez, Chris Mancha, Raquel Martinez, Laura Aguilar, Yvonne Barton, Belinda & Glen Salas, Bruce & Angela Stinnett, Rosemary & David Davila, Jesse & Keka Rivera, the KPARK Counselor Team and current and former KPARK Family! We are truly blessed.

The family will receive condolences on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 4 to 9 pm at Hillside Funerals and Cremations, where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will be offered at 7 pm, led by Rev. Deacon Mr. Roger Martinez.

Visitation will continue Saturday, December 28, 2024, from 7 am to 9:30 am. Procession will form and depart the funeral chapel to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow the mass at the Laredo City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Horacio De Leon, Leo Espinosa, Jose Javier (Jay) Villarreal, Gabriel Ramirez, Trinidad Sanchez III, and Jacob Sanchez.

Honorary Pallbearers: Luis Villarreal, Jorge Ruiz, Glen Salas, Andrew Silva, Richard Vaughn, Adrian Sanchez, and Ricardo Sanchez.

You may extend your condolences to the family at www.hillsidefuneral.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the funeral directors and staff at Hillside Funerals and Cremations; 310 W. Hillside Rd.; Laredo, TX 78041; 956.724.6060