Phillip Joseph Sanchez was born on July 11, 1945, to Serafina and Cruz Sanchez in Los Banos, CA. He grew up in Los Banos, served in the US Navy onboard the USS Ticonderoga Aircraft Carrier for 4 years, and then attended college in Merced. It was there that he met his wife, Cruz Florez. They were married at St. Anthony's in Atwater, CA on June 14, 1975. The newly married couple moved to Fresno, CA where they raised 4 children. They recently celebrated 50 years of marriage.

Phillip worked for Fresno County as a Traffic Equipment Operator for 26 years before retiring and had a handyman business, Phil's Residential Roofing. Phillip worked as a referee in Fresno County for several sports to include football, basketball, softball, wrestling, and volleyball. He played in a traveling softball league for several years, was an avid golfer and part of the Mexican American Golf Association (MAGA). Phillip enjoyed spending time outdoors including fishing, camping, golfing, and working on his cars.  Phillip also enjoyed spending time with loved ones and going to casinos with friends.

Phillip Joseph Sanchez, 80, passed away on December 31, 2025 in his home in Fresno, California. He is survived by his 4 children Leticia Funderburk, Christina Guthrie, Gloria Melvin, and Phillip Sanchez Jr: his 6 grandchildren and a great granddaughter.