Manolo Sanchez (Nixon's valet)
Manuel "Manolo" Sanchez (born 1929[1]) was a long-time valet to Richard Nixon, known for his unfailing loyalty and fierce devotion to the former United States president. Sanchez was born in Spain and immigrated to Cuba at a young age. There, he worked as a dishwasher and laborer before moving to the United States. He was employed by Richard Nixon from 1962 to about 1980. The famously reserved Nixon developed a close friendship with Sanchez and once described him as a member of his family.
Manolo Sanchez
Paul Glynn
Terrence O’Donnell
Spanish
American (naturalized)
Fina
Career[edit]
Early years with the Nixons[edit]
Sanchez began working for Richard and Pat Nixon in 1962 after being referred to the couple by Nixon family friend Bebe Rebozo. Sanchez and his wife Fina moved into the Nixons' 12-room apartment at 810 Fifth Avenue in New York City.[3] Nixon would later describe the Sanchezes as "members of our family in a very special way".[4] Twelve years later, when asked by a reporter if he would continue working for Nixon after he left office, Sanchez responded "the boss will not need to ask me. Wherever he goes in three years from now, he knows I will go with him".[5]
Personal life[edit]
Sanchez was naturalized a U.S. citizen in 1968; Nixon sponsored his application, attended the ceremony, and took the oath of allegiance with him. Sanchez married his wife, Fina, in Spain.[2]