John “Johnny” J. Ramirez, 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 6, 2016 with his family by his side.
John was born in Ventura, CA on December 20, 1922. He was a lifelong Ventura resident, growing up in his beloved “Tortilla Flats” community of San Buenaventura. He attended Holy Cross Elementary and Ventura High School.
John enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and spent several years serving his country in World War II.
After receiving an honorable discharge, John returned to Ventura where he eventually worked as a career cement mason and dedicated member of the Construction Laborers Union for over 50 years. After John retired he dedicated himself to his lifelong passions – cooking, gardening, fishing and family.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen, his mother and father, Atanacia and Juan Ramirez, his brothers Louis and Joe and sisters Mary, Remedios and Trinie. John is survived by his children Anthony C. Ramirez of Ventura, Denise “Cookie” and husband Lee Lively of Ventura, John “Juanchie” J. Ramirez Jr. of Los Angeles and Jonelle Ramirez-Klute of Port Hueneme. John is also survived by grandchildren John J. Lively and Charles L. Lively of Ventura, Nicole M. and husband J.T. Fisher of Ventura and Mercedes R. Schmitte of San Diego, as well as great-grandchildren Emily R. Lively, Charles L. Lively IV and Wednesday E.K George-Lively of Ventura, Jordan T. Klute and Addi B. Fisher of Ventura, and Jessie T. Schmitte and Gracie E. Schmitte of San Diego.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, people may send donations in Johnny’s memory to the Tortilla Flats Reunion Fund, P.O. Box 6064, Ventura, CA 93006.
Family and friends are invited to a Most Holy Rosary to be recited at 7pm on Monday evening August 15, 2016 in the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street Ventura. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on Tuesday August 16, 2016 in San Buenaventura Mission, Main Street Ventura followed immediately by interment in Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura.