Jose Quintero Ramos

Jose Quintero Ramos was born in Havana, Cuba on March 11, 1931, to Jose Quintero and Asuncion Ramos. He was the youngest of 7 siblings and was doted upon by his family, especially his mother and older sisters. Growing up, Jose was a precocious child and a gifted athlete. He excelled in baseball and played for the Cuban professional team called the Nacionales. He soon caught the attention of U.S. recruiting scouts, who frequently came to Cuba to attain baseball players for U.S. minor and major baseball teams. He was recruited as pitcher and became a United States citizen. He played for U.S. Barnstorm Independent Leagues, Negro American League, and U.S. major league teams like the Havana Cuban Giants. His talents included a record winning streak.

After his baseball career, Jose returned to Cuba, where he continued to support his family, including his elderly mother. As a favor to a friend and because of his popularity as a baseball player, he was asked to work at the famed Tropicana Nightclub in Havana, Cuba to be their new club and musical acts manager. From Marlon Brando to Celia Cruz, Jose helped to maintain the acclaimed musical and celebrity legacy of the Tropicana with his magnetic personality and managerial overseeing. In 1958, Jose returned to the United States worked for the International Longshoreman’s Association, AFL-CIO, the largest union of maritime workers. A career with the ILA that lasted over half a century, Jose became the first Cuban and Spanish speaking elected to the Executive Board of Local 1814 located in Brooklyn, New York in 1971. The first union office he ran for, he collected the most votes of any candidate on the ballot. From wage-scale to trade contract negotiations, Jose was an essential key figure in the powerhouse team of union officials from Local 1814 that fostered local, national and international political influence for fair wages and fair labor practices. Through his position, he was able to help provide work and jobs for many people and countless others benefited from his generosity and willingness to help others. Due to his service to the community and toward others, Jose was awarded the John F. Kennedy award for Community Service. He become friends and business associates with influential politicians like Governor Mario Cuomo to cultural icons like Frank Sinatra and Don King. From contract labor meetings with Presidents of many Latin American countries to marching for Civil Rights alongside Dr. Martin Luther King and Black Trade Unionists Leaders, Jose’s ILA career was epic and storied.

On March 13, 1978, Jose married the true love of his life, his beautiful wife, Abigail Falcon Ramos. Together they formed a true partnership of commitment, trust, faith and love that lasted over 41 years. They raised a wonderful family--who they were always so proud of—and were absolutely adoring grandparents to their many grandchildren.

A survivor of the 1993 World Trade Center Bombing and September 11th Attack, Jose was working as an Assistant Pension Director for the ILA at World Trade Center 2nd Tower, 19th Floor, when September 11th occurred. Jose was in his office on the 19th floor in the South Twin Tower, when he and those in his office heard the loud crash of the plane hitting the North Twin Tower. Jose was persistent that his co-workers and secretaries leave the office. Jose persistence managed to convince those around him to leave the office within minutes of the South Tower crash. Hours later, Jose arrived at the church where his daughter, Joscelyn, was baptized as a little girl covered in dirt and ashes. The priest came over to him moved by what he saw. A survivor of the terrible tragedy came directly to church before even going to his own home. Lovingly, he started to wipe the dirt and ash from Jose's face with his own priestly garments. Jose solemnly listened as the priest told him how God blessed him with sparing his life, prayed, and embraced him.

A deeply reverent and spiritual man, Jose was a man of great faith and prayer. He was blessed with a long and healthy life. He was an excellent provider for his family and alongside, his wife Abigail, created an enduring legacy. Jose left this earth—much like he lived his life— with great power, strength and victory. He was surrounded by his family, who loved and honored their head of family.

Jose is preceded in death by his beloved wife, the late Abigail Falcon Ramos; his parents, the late Asuncion Ramos and Jose Quintero; his siblings; and his in-laws the late Joaquin and Hilda Falcon. He is survived by his loving daughter and son-in-law, Joscelyn Ramos Campbell (Justin); his dutiful son Dr. Aaron Gonzalez; his grandchildren, Joseph, Jeremy, Jonathan, Joshua, Gabriel, Abigail, Annelise, Adeline; his two sister-in-laws, Priscilla & Rachel Falcon; nieces and nephews.