Pedro H. Sanchez, A Great Man. A Beloved Hero.

Pedro Sanchez, born in San Cristobal, Pinar del Rio Cuba on July 17, 1932 was the son of Dr. Pedro Sanchez and Maria Cecilia Sanchez. He received his BA from the University of Habana in Business Administration, and worked for Sandoz Pharmaceuticals as a medical rep. In November 1961, Pedro immigrated with his young family to Argentina fleeing the brutal Castro Dictatorship where he continued working for Sandoz Pharmaceuticals. In 1963 he immigrated to Florida and began his life as an American. The early years were very hard because the competition for work in Florida was fierce. Pedro became an expert in everything. If a sign needed to be painted, he was a sign painter in Cuba. If a truck needed to be driven, he was a truck driver in Cuba.

In 1966, he moved to Southern California to start his career with United Air Lines. Through hard work, he moved up within the company, retiring as a Executive Manager. In1970 he began the neighborhood watch program in Culver City. He later joined the Culver City Police Department as a Reserve Police Officer. He served his community as a patrol officer, community service officer and a traffic officer. Pedro proudly wore the uniform of the CCPD for many years, until he retired from the reserve program in the 1990’s.

After retirement, Pedro continued his involvement in his community. He was invited to the white house by by President Ronald Reagan to discuss migratory reform for Latinos in America. His service continued throughout the years helping many organizations such as the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, the National Latinos Peace Officers Association, the Lupus Foundation and also serving as a Board Member for the United States Selective Service System. Pedro was a true patriot, he never forgot his countrymen living under the oppression of communism and a totalitarian regime.

Over the last several years, Pedro had an extensive email list that he used to keep his readers and the public informed of the true conditions within Cuba. Among Pedro’s many talents, was his gift for helping. He was the go to guy for all his family and friends. If you had a problem or needed help, all you needed to do was call Pedro, and he would find a solution to your problem.

Pedro H. Sanchez died on April 15, 2009 but he will live in the hearts of all those he touched forever. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Pedro is survived by his wife Aurora Sanchez, and his son's Peter Sanchez, Frank Sanchez, and Fred Sanchez and his niece Isabel Christina Sanchez. Peter and Isabel will be attending the reunion.

To see a beautiful photo montage of Mr. Sanchez, one that I highly recommend, go to: http://mem.com/movie/MovingMemories.asp?ID=2968536. I also suggest that you take a moment to open the comment below this post that was written by his son, Peter Sanchez.