Deacon Salvador Sanchez

It is with deep sadness and profound faith that the family of Deacon Salvador Sanchez, age 85 of Toledo, announces his passing on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Salvador was born to Carlos Sanchez Patiño and Alicia Sanchez Torres on December 25, 1940, in Mexico City, Mexico. Salvador married his beautiful wife, Teodora (Leal), on December 25, 1979. He worked for Harold Jaffe Jewelers as a jeweler for 50 years before retiring.

Salvador answered a higher calling and was ordained into the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Toledo in May of 1982, and joyfully served the congregation at SS. Peter and Paul. Additionally, he served the faithful through the Cursillo Movement, leading retreats at the Milan Federal Correctional Institution.

Deacon Salvador was an avid soccer player until the age of 65. He started the first Hispanic soccer team in the Diocese and was a referee for CYO soccer for many years.

Dcn. Salvador is survived by his wife of 53 years, Teodora; children Diana Martinez, Robert Martinez, Inez Martinez, Pete Martinez, Shirley Sanchez, and Sharon (Federico) Escobedo; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; sister Rosario Sanchez; nephew Carlos Sanchez; and close friend Clancy Yeager. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Ricardo Martinez, and brother Carlos Sanchez.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at SS. Peter and Paul, 738 S St. Clair St in Toledo, Ohio, from 2 until vigil prayers at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday morning, July 1, 2026, at 11 a.m., with family receiving friends one hour prior to Mass. A fellowship luncheon will follow in the church hall after Mass.