Ralph H. Ramirez

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rafael (Ralph) Herrera-Ramirez,

who passed on March 11, 2023 at the age of 73. He was born on October 18th, 1949 in San

Bernardino, CA to Sabina and Salvador Ramirez.

Ralph’s roots are in Mexico - his parents migrated all the way from Zacatecas, Mexico in

1928 and settled on a ranch in Fontana, CA. They eventually bought a home in Colton, CA

where their family blossomed. Ralph (Rafa) was the last born of 9 children, the baby of the

family. Growing up, he was always surrounded by his lifelong friends, his older sisters and

brothers.

Ralph attended Colton High School and was a natural born mathematician. He really

enjoyed and excelled in the subject. After graduating high school alongside the Class of

1968, at the age of 18, he served his country as a member of the Marine Corps. During the

Vietnam War, he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan as a part of platoon number 1027. After

two years of courageous service, he returned home as a veteran and began to focus on

growing his career. He started working at Stater Brothers as a warehouseman and

maintained a career of 37 years.

In 1973, at the age of 24, he became a father to his first born son, who took his first name,

Rafael. Just over a year later his second son, Gabriel, was born. He enjoyed spending time

with his sons by coaching their Colton Panthers soccer team. Ralph was full of life. He was

a big goofball and was cracking jokes most of the time. He loved to impress people with his

magic card tricks but was always willing to spill the secret to his granddaughters, nieces and

nephews. His favorite way to spend time was at karaoke nights singing oldies or at home

watching John Wayne movies.

Ralph was raised a catholic man and continuously practiced his faith throughout life, always

wearing his crucifix around his neck. Family was everything to Rafa and he cherished the

moments the Ramirez family got to spend together. He was an amazing son, brother, dad,

uncle, and grandfather. He is survived by his sons Ralph Ramirez and Gabriel Ramirez. His

granddaughters Gabrielle Ramirez and Anissa Ramirez. His loving sisters Jovita, Amelia,

Francis and brothers Lorenzo, Joe, and Ruben. His dog Oliver and his many nieces,

nephews, and countless friends. We will cherish the memories we have with Ralph and he

will live within us every day.

Open visitation will be from 9am to 11am, Tuesday March 21st, at Emmerson Bartlett

Memorial Chapel. Services will begin at 11am and a Celebration of Life will follow.