Rev. Delfin Sanchez

On Saturday, May 9, 2020, Rev. Delfin Sanchez Reyes, loving Pastor, son, brother, uncle, husband, grandfather, great grandfather as well as father of five children, and father-in-law passed away at the age of 81. 

Rev. Delfin Sanchez was born on November 23, 1938 in Quebradanegra Cundinamarca, Colombia to Nicholas Sanchez and Mariquita Reyes.  He received a 4 year degree in pastoral studies, theology, and ministries.  He was also ordained as a Minister through the Assembly of God Ministries.  On February 7, 1959, he married Elvira Jimenez. They raised three sons, Rigoberto, Carlos, and Alexis, and two daughters, Cilia and Shirley.

Delfin had an adventurous spirit and love for travel. In 1961, he left his small hometown of Quebradanegra Cundinamarca and relocated to the big city of Bogota, Colombia.  He was a small business entrepreneur in Custom Clothing Design & Tailoring and he also worked in Avianca Airlines for 18 years.  On May 7, 1974, he traveled with his wife to the United States of America leaving behind 3 children. Delfin always had a dream to visit the USA and learn the culture.  When he arrived he fell in love with the American Culture and decided to make this new country his home.  In 1974,  both Delfin and Elvira had their fourth child, Alex Sanchez.  In August 1977, their three colombian born children arrived in the USA to start a new life with new opportunities. On May 15, 1979, they had their fifth child, Shirley Sanchez.  

In 1975, Delfin Sanchez accepted God as his Savior and became a born again Christian.  His focus and passion changed to reaching, preaching, and serving the community. Delfin spent many years visiting jails and praying for prisoners, visiting the sick in hospitals, and talking to people about God.  He had the opportunity to travel to several countries as a missionary evangelist.  Once an ordained minister he planted two churches where many faithful members still remain. Rev. Delfin Sanchez retired as a Pastor in 2002 and changed his ministry to intersection prayer. He was known for his kindness, dedication, faith, and humble service to God.  He was a wonderful husband for 61 years and a dedicated father who left a legacy of knowledge of the word of God.   

Rev. Delfin Sanchez was preceded in death by his father, Nicholas Sanchez, his mother, Mariquita Reyes, and his brother Carlos Sanchez.   He is survived by his wife Elvira Jimenez, his five children, Cilia Nino, Rigoberto Sanchez, Carlos N. Sanchez, Alexis D. Sanchez, and Shirley E. Sanchez, his brothers Bertulfo, Geronimo, Hector, Alexander, and his sisters Graciela, Elsa, and Rosa; his 11 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren; his two son-in-laws; Guillermo Nino, and Carlos Reyes, and 2 daughter-in-laws; Nazly Sanchez-Bernal, Miriam Sanchez, and Maiara Araujo; several cousins, nieces, and a nephews.

A Private funeral service will be held on Monday, May 11, 2020 at: 

Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home

582 Springfield Avenue, Westfield, New Jersey 07090

Flowers, donations or condolences may be sent to the funeral home.  Private Facebook live will be available.

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