Robert Hood Sanchez

Birth: December 29, 1952 | Died: February 6, 2026

IN LOVING MEMORY OF ROBERT JACOB HOOD-SANCHEZ

With deep love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived to its fullest, we remember Robert Jacob Hood-Sanchez, who was born on December 29, 1952, in the Republic of Panama. His life was the definition of dedication and service to others, leadership and guidance to all, and faith-filled in his life’s mission.

Robert was about 10 years old when he moved to the United States with his parents. His dad was a retired Sergeant with the U.S. Army and his mother was a Registered Nurse Anesthetist. He lived in Pensacola, FL, then in Owatonna, MN until he moved to California for his college studies. He was honored to participate in the U.S.M.C. Platoon Leaders Class Program as a young man. He graduated from the United States International University with a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts degrees. For nearly four decades, Robert devoted his life to the field of education. He worked as a teacher, school counselor (K-12), bilingual school psychologist, and administrator, impacting thousands of students and families directly and indirectly throughout his distinguished career. His work spanned across multiple school districts, including Santa Ana USD, Calexico USD, Vista USD, Los Angeles USD, and more.

In all of his various roles, Robert firmly committed his mindset and teaching vocation to fostering student success, academic achievement, and personal growth. He didn’t simply push students beyond graduation and higher education, Robert was a steady rock for many of his students who lacked advocacy and stability. He was known for having a listening ear and an open door policy for anyone looking for guidance, understanding, and support.

Later in his career, he expanded his service into social work. He earned his Master in Social Work from Boston University and became an Associate Clinical Social Worker with the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services. He worked there for nearly a decade. Additionally, he interned at the County of Orange Behavioral Health Services, Catholic Charities of Orange County, and other community organizations. Throughout this new career expansion, his life’s theme continued to remain prominent: His dedication to supporting the vulnerable; such as children, families in crisis, older adults, and individuals facing mental health challenges.

In addition to his professional career, Robert never failed to expand his compassion, service, and love, always striving to ensure the world was better than it seemed. He served part-time in security at Disneyland, where he truly sought and brought comfort, joy, and warmth to all he encountered. This was Robert’s favorite place to be as he truly believed it was “The Happiest Place on Earth”. Robert was a kid at heart and just loved it!

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Robert’s greatest pride and joy was the partnership he built with his wife, Lidia, for over 25 years and the beautiful life they provided their children, Diego and Leilani. Together they built a home filled with love, warmth, stability, support, and many cherished memories. Robert will forever be engraved and remembered within all our hearts, souls, and minds for his compassion, integrity, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to helping all.

He leaves behind his unwavering legacy, his loving wife and children, his sister Frances, brother-in laws, sister-in laws, nephew, niece, grandnephews, grandniece, his trusted friends, colleagues, and the countless students, clients, and families whose lives were shaped by his gentle and selfless persona.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23