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Con profunda tristeza, nos despedimos de Francisco Sánchez Flores, conocido como Pancho “El Sorongo”, un apodo inspirado en su pueblo natal de San Pedro Cahro, Michoacán. Pancho falleció tranquilamente en su hogar en Pico Rivera, el martes 12 de mayo de 2026, a la edad de 89 años, rodeado de su amada familia y amigos.
Pancho nació el 24 de febrero de 1937 en Sahuayo, Michoacán, México, hijo de los difuntos Francisco Sánchez Higareda y María Flores Villanueva. Fue el primer hijo varón tras el nacimiento de siete hermanas, y más tarde se le unió un hermano menor. Aparte, Pancho fue el último sobreviviente de sus hermanos.
Devoto, esposo, padre, abuelo, bisabuelo, hermano, tío y amigo. Pancho deja atrás a su amada esposa, con quien compartió 59 años de vida, así como a 7 hijos, 22 nietos y 21 bisnietos.
Pancho fue un hombre de carácter firme, determinado con una ética profesional inquebrantable. Llegó a los Estados Unidos con una educación limitada y escaso conocimiento del idioma inglés. Gracias a su perseverancia, dedicación y arduo trabajo, consiguió un empleo, estable y desinteresadamente, ayudó a familiares y amigos a encontrar sus propias oportunidades. Si bien, algunos pudieron percibirlo como orgulloso u obstinado, aquellos que mejor lo conocían, comprendían que él simplemente valoraba y sentía un inmenso orgullo por el patrimonio que había creado. Enseñó a sus hijos la importancia de la integridad, la independencia y de mantenerse fieles al camino correcto, en lugar de seguir a la multitud.
En el 2005, Pancho se jubiló a la edad de 68 años de Accuride Internacional, Inc., tras 34 años de servicio incondicional y dedicado como conductor comercial. Su profesionalismo le hizo ganarse un profundo respeto entre sus colegas.
En su vida espiritual durante muchos años, Pancho fue un fiel y activo miembro de la iglesia católica, Santa Mariana de Paredes, en Pico Rivera, donde fielmente sirvió ayudando a recolectar las ofrendas dominicales, una labor que desempeñó con dedicación y humildad.
Aunque Pancho ha partido de esta vida, su espíritu, sus valores y su amor seguirán viviendo a través de sus hijos.
Los servicios funerarios están a cargo de Forest Lawn, Cypress, CA.
For my English-speaking people...
With deep sorrow, we bid farewell to Francisco Sanchez Flores, affectionately known as Pancho “El Sorongo,” a nickname inspired by his hometown of San Pedro, Michoacán. Pancho passed away peacefully at his home in Pico Rivera, CA on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the age of 89, surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Pancho was born on February 24, 1937, in Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico, to the late Francisco Sanchez Higareda and Maria Flores Villanueva. He was welcomed as the firstborn son after seven sisters and was later joined by a younger brother. Pancho was the last surviving member of his nine siblings.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Pancho leaves behind his beloved wife of 59 years, as well as 7 children, 22 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren.
Pancho was a man of strong character, determination, and an unwavering work ethic. He came to the United States with limited formal education and little knowledge of the English language. Through perseverance, hard work, and dedication, he secured stable employment and selflessly helped many family members and friends find opportunities of their own. While some may have perceived him as proud or stubborn at times, those who knew him best understood that he simply recognized his own worth and took immense pride in the life he built. He taught his children the importance of integrity, independence, and staying true to the right path rather than following the crowd.
In 2005, Pancho retired at the age of 68 from Accuride International, Inc., after 34 years of loyal and dedicated service as their commercial driver. His professional commitment earned him the deep respect of his colleagues.
Beyond his career, Pancho was a faithful and active member of St. Mariana de Paredes Catholic Church in Pico Rivera. For many years, he faithfully served his parish community by helping collect the Sunday offerings, a role he carried out with dedication and humility.
Although Pancho has departed from this earthly life, his spirit, values, and love will continue to live on through his children.
Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Cypress, CA.
Monday, June 8, 2026
5:00 - 9:00 pm (Pacific time)
Forest Lawn - Cypress - Church of Our Fathers
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
10:00 - 11:00 am (Pacific time)
Santa Mariana Paredes Catholic Church
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