History & Staff

Irving Sanchez III is known as being the consummate professional where tradition meets service. He is originally from the Tampa Bay area and a St. Petersburg, FL native and from a well-respected family in the area. He is the third of four children born to the late Irving Sanchez Jr. and wife Chlocile. Coming from a funeral home family which operated Sanchez Arch Royal Funeral Home (and later Sanchez and Son Funeral Directors) for many years in Saint Petersburg and Clearwater, he has deep roots in the funeral industry. He started out working beside his father as a youth in the funeral industry and went on to graduate from St. Petersburg Catholic High School in 1977 and 1980 from Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science in Atlanta, GA. In addition to his early experience he achieved the status of a licensed funeral director and embalmer which would allow him to gain further status all around the country.

In Irving’s professional career, he has achieved the status of Managing Funeral Director and Embalmer in two other states: Washington State at the Southwest Mortuary in Seattle; Tennessee for Lewis & Wright Funeral Directors in Nashville. While there, Irving received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Belmont University. Continuing to pursue other interests, Irving moved from Nashville to Illinois near the St. Louis, MO area joining the team at William C. Harris Funeral Directors as a licensed Funeral Director in both MO and IL. It is during this time he reunited and married the love of his life, Judy.

Overall, Mr. Sanchez brings 40 years of professional experience as a licensed funeral director and embalmer servicing families of many different races, religious backgrounds, and financial status. In every instance Irving has been a vital and respected member of each community he has lived in. Currently he is a dedicated and faithful returning member of McCabe United Methodist Church where he is on the McCabe Vision Team, worship leader and minister in training. Additionally, he is a member of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Alumni Singers. Not only is Irving committed to serving the community in business but service as well. His desire is: “Lord make me a Blessing, to be a Blessing”.

Judy V. Sanchez is a caring and family-oriented career woman that is dedicated to bettering the lives of others. Judy was born to the late Charles “China” Valles and Thelma Valles who moved to Miami, FL with her as an infant along with her brother. She graduated from Miami Central High School in 1979. In the early 1980’s Judy met Irving Sanchez III while visiting Tampa, FL which started their romance. In 1984, Judy enlisted in the Air Force and served her country overseas in England before returning home to become a Department of Defense (DOD) civilian for 30 years before retiring in 2018. Throughout her years with the DOD she regularly volunteered with the Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, Prison Fellowship Ministries, Fisher House and other local efforts. During her career she became a graduate from Webster University and the National Defense University with several Master degrees and certificates. Additionally, Judy has earned her Funeral Director’s Certificate from St. Petersburg College.

In addition to her leadership position, Judy is a member of McCabe United Methodist Church; Keystone Mastermind Alliance (KMA); and board member of the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association and Sunshine Jazz Organization of South Florida based out of Miami, FL. Mrs. Judy Sanchez wholeheartedly believes in giving back to the community and spearheaded the installation of a “blessing box” at Sanchez Rehoboth Mortuary and Cremation Services. Judy Sanchez attributes her success to her strong faith in the Lord and commitment to helping others.