John F. Ramos, 85, of New Bedford passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at St. Luke's Hospital from complications related to Alzheimer's Disease. He was the husband of the late Alice M. (Teixeira) Ramos with whom he shared 58 years of marriage.
Born in New Bedford, son of the late Joseph and Lena (McHale) Ramos, he lived in New Bedford for most of his life.
He was a graduate of New Bedford High School where he was an All Bristol County League Selection in his senior year and helped his team defeat their Thanksgiving rival, Durfee, with a 75 yard touchdown run. He was inducted into the NBHS Gridiron Club in 2002. Following high school, he played football and baseball at Dean Junior College.
Mr. Ramos honorably served in the United States Army.
He was formerly employed as a New Bedford Firefighter for 33 years until his retirement.
John was an avid runner and participated in many local road races, including the New Bedford Half Marathon and was a coach for both SEYAA and WCYBL.
He enjoyed going to Foxwoods, Tuesday get-togethers with his retired firefighter brothers, attending his grandchildren's sporting events and dance recitals, and listening to the music of Frank Sinatra and Tom Jones.
He is survived by his three children, Donna M. Ramos-Wirzburger and her husband Peter J. Wirzburger, and Barbara A. Ramos-Pires and her husband Raymond R. Pires, Jr., all of New Bedford, and John M. Ramos and his wife Kristina K. Ramos of Fairhaven; his siblings, Joseph M. Ramos, Beverly Garrant, and Christine Sylvia, all of Dartmouth; five grandchildren, Melissa Riquinha, Dustin Wirzburger, Baileigh Wirzburger, Brianna Pires, and Summer Ramos; four great-grandchildren, Sophia Hardin, Mia Riquinha, Hadley Wirzburger, and Ada Wirzburger; and many nieces and nephews.
Due to COVID-19 capacity restrictions, John's funeral service and burial at Pine Grove Cemetery will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.