Jose was born on December 10, 1959, to Alfredo and Maria Ramirez in El Grullo, Jalisco, Mexico. He came to Vista, California as a toddler. He attended Beaumont Elementary School, Lincoln Middle School, and then graduated from Vista High School in 1978. It was in high school that he met the love of his life, Juanita. They were married on February 16, 1980. Soon after, they started a family and spent 44 years together as husband and wife.
Jose’s childhood home, Delpy’s Corner, as it was known then, was a special place that he spoke of frequently and fondly. Over the years, he worked at a nursery, as a busser at a restaurant called Daisy's, in a slaughterhouse, as an apartment manager, and in construction. On June 2, 1995, he officially and proudly became a U.S. citizen. He was hired at the Vista Irrigation District as a temporary Utility Worker and was promoted over the years. In 2017, he retired as an Equipment Operator at the age of 57. He was happy to have worked there for 26 years and formed lasting friendships.
Jose was a hardworking man who took pride in all he did. He paid attention to detail. He was known for being early to everything. He had no problem making conversation with people he crossed paths with from day to day. For Jose, there was nothing better than a family gathering where he could be around his “Familia” that he loved. He never asked for anything and always said, “I have everything I need.” He was happy with simple things in life: a cold Budweiser, his chanclas, “Tony’s” (Frosted Flakes), the same favorite t-shirts he wore time and time again, beans and tortillas, something sweet before bed, grilling, a glass of chocolate milk, and learning from YouTube videos. He enjoyed watching the news and was always checking the weather. He liked to watch the Chargers play and was a fan of the television shows, Cops and To Catch a Smuggler. Over the years, Jose was a volunteer with Special Olympics and was a member of the Vista Elks Lodge and attended their many events. He was very proud to have grown up, lived, and worked in Vista. In early retirement years, he took an interest in woodworking as a hobby. In his free time, he was happy to listen to music by the pool or in the garage.
Jose had such a strong love for his “Familia” that he permanently tattooed the names of his wife and children on his forearm. In March of this year, he became an "Abuelito” and was overjoyed to meet his first grandson, Diego. Jose’s spirits were lifted, and he couldn't have been happier.
Over the last five years, Jose had extensive support from Juanita, family, and friends. Jose’s final days were happy ones as he and Juanita were looking forward to having all their children and grandson together in their home. His strong will, dependability, punctuality, work ethic, and presence will forever be missed.
He is survived by his wife: Juanita, his five children: Leticia (son-in-law, Daniel), Rebecca, Alissa (son-in-law, Brent), Phillip, and Joseph, and his grandson, Diego. He is survived by his mother, Maria, two brothers and three sisters. He is preceded in death by his father, Alfredo Ramirez, and his sister, Estela Muñoz.
Church services will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Vista, California. There will be a Celebration of Life in the afternoon. A private burial will take place at a later date.
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