Elias Sanchez, age 87, a resident of Illinois, died August 11, 2023 with his wife by his side. He was born July 20, 1936 in Guanajuato Mexico to Jesus Sanchez and Flavia Gonzalez. Elias came to America, "the land of opportunity", in the early 70's to start a new life for  himself, where he met his now wife of 48 years, Harriet shortly thereafter. The two of them together built a life in Elmhurst where they raised their family.

Elias was a jokester. His family has fond memories of his Sunday morning breakfast, flipping hot tortillas while snapping his fingers and saying his famous catch phrase "hijo de la chingada". Elias was a hard worker and the family always eagerly awaited his Christmas breaks to enjoy each other's company, listening to music over a few White Russians and good conversations. Elias was very proud of his children and was over the moon with his grandchildren. He loved exchanging photos any time he could just to see their smiles. He dedicated his life to his family and just wanted them to all be happy.

To the man that knew everything, and was always there, thank you for the help, the unconditional love, the guidance, the laughter, and the kindness.

He is survived by his wife, Harriet Sanchez, sons, Nathan (Deanna) Sanchez, Michael (Christina) Sanchez, Elias Sanchez Jr., daughters Veronica Sanchez, Cecilia Sanchez, Trinity (Kevin) Saunders; grandchildren Justin (Andrea) Saunders, Christian Sanchez, Aliya Sanchez, Natalina Principato, GianCarlo Principato. He was also a beloved uncle and dear friend to many.

Services will be held privately per Elias' wishes. The family requests that if you have any fond memories or photos you would like to share, please upload them to the obituary album or sign the guestbook here .

In honor of Elias, all he would want is for you to pay it forward, and put a smile on someone's face.