SANCHEZ, Samuel J. Sr. – Of Flint, age 58, died Saturday, March 5, 2011 at Genesys Hospice Care Center in Goodrich. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 10, 2011 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 2415 Bagley Street, Flint, Father Thomas Firestone officiating. Burial in Sunset Hills Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council #695. Visitation 5-8p.m. Tuesday and 1-8p.m. Wednesday at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint. A Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening followed by a Knights of Columbus Memorial Service at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Sanchez will be at the church 9:30 a.m. Thursday until the time of the Mass.

Sam was born in Flint on August 30, 1952 and was a resident of Flint all his life. Sam was a 3rd Degree and 4th Degree member Msgr. Patrick R. Dunign Council No. 695. He belonged to Knights of Columbus for 31 years, currently serving as Grand Knight. Sam was employed with General Motors for 30 years. Surviving are wife, Tina Sanchez; Son, Samuel John Jr. (Sandra); Grandson, Samuel John III; step-children, Matthew, Jessica, Luke and Megan; mother, Ninfa Sanchez; brothers and sisters, Gloria (Philip), Rosemary (David), Mario Jr. (Kimberly), Debra, Michael (Annie), Lisa and Kristina; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Father, Mario C. Sanchez Sr. preceded Samuel in death.