UFT Admin
- Paraprofessional representative
Bernardo Sanchez, a patient and loving paraprofessional and UFT paraprofessional representative at P94@P276, a District 75 program in Manhattan, died of multiple health complications on Nov. 1, 2025. He was 77.
A UFT member for 22 years, Bernardo was an exemplary educator and colleague. He helped students of all ages and with all types of disabilities and support needs during his two decades working at three P94 sites in Manhattan, starting at P188 in 2003, then P15, before joining the staff of P276.
“Bernardo always had a smile on his face — he was very professional and very good with the kids,” said paraprofessional Zoila Baez, his close colleague and friend.
“He guided me on how to become a better para so many times, I can’t even count,” said paraprofessional Anthony Orantes, another colleague. “He was an asset to the school and will be greatly missed.”
Born in the Dominican Republic, Bernardo moved to New York in 1984. He worked at grocery stores during his first 13 years in the United States before becoming a substitute paraprofessional in 2001 and continuing his studies.
Bernardo went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education from Fordham University, as well as another master’s degree from the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña in the Dominican Republic.
Chapter Leader Victoria Orozco met Bernardo when he began working at P94. He became a paraprofessional representative in 2015 just as Orozco became the chapter leader, and he worked alongside her for the next decade.
The UFT honored Bernardo for his contributions in 2019 with an award at the union’s annual Paraprofessionals Awards Luncheon.
At the UFT’s Teacher Union Day event on Nov. 2, 2025, one day after Bernardo’s death, Orozco dedicated the award she received for 10 years of chapter leader service to him.
“Bernado was a staunch union advocate and supporter,” she said. “He always wanted to make sure that people had their rights and weren’t being taken advantage of.”
As a paraprofessional representative, Bernardo “was always present for us, every time that we needed help,” said Baez.
Bernardo also reminded people to sign up for the union and “would take new people under his wing,” added Orozco.
Payroll secretary Sarah Garcia agreed. Bernardo was one of the first people she met at P94 when she started working there as a school aide in 2016. “From the moment I met him, he was just so warm and welcoming and made me feel like I belonged,” she said.
Bernardo’s colleagues all described him as a role model. “He definitely embodied leadership and always encouraged positivity,” said paraprofessional Talisha Rudolph.
Garcia, shaped by Bernardo’s example, said she intentionally strives to “make new teachers feel at home in this building. How can I make them feel like – even if they’re having a rough day – that things will be OK?”
Bernardo was passionate about music, especially Mexican and country music, and enjoyed sewing and knitting. He loved his family and was immensely proud of them.
Bernardo is survived by his wife, Bernardita; his six children, Carmen, Elias, Eric, Ismelba, Valerie and Carlos; two stepchildren, Sofi and Jesus; 13 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; a sister; many nieces and nephews, and countless other relatives and friends.
Condolences can be sent to Bernardo’s son Carlos at cantonio2595@gmail.com.
He was a true gem of a person. He will be missed. I will never forget the good man he was to everyone he knew. We will never forget him.
Respect to a wonderful men Which I had the chance to talk and laugh with A true gentleman Bless him and his family being in part of our family!!..