John Sanchez
The family of John Edward Sanchez is deeply saddened to announce that he passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026. He was 84.
He was born on October 13, 1941, in Monterey, Mexico, to Luciano and Guillerma Sanchez. He was one of six children. He moved to Goleta around the age of three and fell in love with the quiet town. The place felt like home, so he decided to make a life for himself and raise all four of his children in this beautiful city.
As a young boy, he worked with his family picking lemons. He also attended local schools and graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1959. John was drafted into the army at the age of 21. He wasn’t the happiest about it, but said, “Well, if I have to be there, I might as well make the most of it, and it’s the only way I will be able to see the world.” That’s how John lived his life. Always looking at the positive side of a situation. He lived his life to the fullest. Everyone who knew John would say he was a kind and happy man. He loved getting people together, whether it was for his monthly breakfast club or just a spur-of-the-moment lunch or dinner with friends and family.
After serving four years in the army, he was honorably discharged. Upon returning home from Vietnam, he attended Santa Barbara City College and graduated with an AA in Computer Science and had a successful career as a Computer Systems Analyst.
In his free time, John loved spending time with his family. He was an avid runner and proudly completed two marathons as well as various races in Santa Barbara.
His greatest achievement was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, & great grandfather. He is survived by his wife, “My Love,” Barbara; daughters Mitzi (Ray) Dinius, Jennifer (Alex) Villasana, Jessica (Joe) Mezzetta, and son Michael Sanchez; his grandchildren Dimas Vasquez III, Ashley Sanchez, Sofia and Neala Villasana, Landon and Zoey Mezzetta, and great grandson Quinn Tamble; and well as his many beloved nieces, nephews, great and great great nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents, Luciano & Guillerma, his sisters Lupe Jauregui, Mary Gutierrez, Anita Loredo, Irma Barbee, and brother Abundio Sanchez.
We want to thank Sarah House with the utmost heartfelt gratitude and appreciation. To the staff for their very loving care of our father John, whom he charmed with his great sense of humor, as well as their endless support to our family. We also want to thank Assisted Living and Santa Barbara Hospice for all their care and support
He is greatly missed; his smile, his laughter, his kindness, his great sense of humor, and so much more! There will be no service because that was John’s wish; we ask you to do his favorite thing: spend time with the ones you love.
