Obituary for Joe Esquivel Ramirez

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Joe (aka Jose) Esquivel Ramirez, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend to many, on October 12, 2024. Joe is commended into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born in Santa Paula, California, to the union of Juan and Maria Ramirez on January 24, 1928, and lived there his entire life. Joe was the sixth child in a family of eight children.

He attended local schools and was a very bright student. His education was interrupted by the early death of his father in 1938. Consequently, Joe, at a young age, his mother, brothers, and sisters were left to support themselves. The family harvested crops and did other labor in the local area. It was not an easy life. They endured many hardships, but stayed together during those difficult years. As a result, Joe developed a strong work ethic and close bond with his family.

Soon after, Joe found an interest in music, along with other family members, singing traditional Mexican songs as they went about their daily lives. Several of his brothers and sisters were also talented in music. He soon learned to play the guitar and was also gifted with an incredible voice. This began a journey of love for music that became a life long passion.

Joe sang and played guitar with numerous friends and family members, providing entertainment at local clubs, family gatherings, celebrations, and various community events. Known by his nickname "Joetin", he was most proud of winning first place at a local radio station's music contest with his group "Trio Silvestre", that played several styles of Mexican music such as bolero, ranchera, corrido, and huapango.

Eventually, Joe met the love of his life, the beautiful young lady "Annie" from El Paso, Texas, who was captivated by Joe's performance of "La Malaguena Salerosa", a song about a beautiful woman. Mom still remembers that day when she fell in love with Dad. They were soon married, blessed with five children, and maintained their marriage for over 73 years. With his family, Joe enjoyed barbecues, fishing, family celebrations, local vacation spots, and going on several road trips throughout the southwest and to Mexico, traveling in the "white camper".

Although Joe loved music, he realized the importance of obtaining steady employment to support his family. He began his career in the construction industry as a laborer, and was soon promoted to a cement mason, often holding positions as a foreman, because of his ability to learn quickly and to read construction blueprints.

He was known for his proficiency to master just about anything he set his mind to and was well versed in his trade. With his construction knowledge and skills he was able to build several homes. One of them was a special beautiful home for his family. It was his pride and joy.

Joe retired from the Cement Mason's Union after 30 + years, but continued to work in various private construction jobs for many years after. He was always willing to help family and friends with home repair or whatever needed to be done, and also volunteered his skills for several community projects.

Later in life he would provide his musical talent to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, singing in the choir, and local convalescent homes along with the neighborhood parish group. He developed a strong interest in the Bible and would read and study it daily, often discussing his Christian faith and religion with us all. He was an outdoors person and enjoyed gardening, and tinkering with things around the house to keep him busy. He took pride in whatever he did. Joe was an intelligent, hard working, strong willed, and independent man who loved his family, friends, music, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We love you Dad, and will always cherish the memories of the times we shared together. Rest in Peace Dad. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Maria Ramirez; brothers Dan, Tony, Fred, and Arthur Ramirez, sister Lucy Espinoza, and grandson Vincent Ramirez. He is survived by his loving wife Annie Ramirez; children Frank Ramirez, Veronica Ramirez, Bill (Irma) Ramirez, Anna (Joe) Lopez, Sam (Ceci) Ramirez; brother Henry Ramirez (Tekla), sister Lupe Ramirez; 14 grandchildren, and 15 great-grand children.

Special thanks to Livingston Memorial, VITAS, and St. Johns Hospital staff for the compassionate and professional medical care provided to our Dad. Also, a special thank you to our sister Veronica, for caring for Dad in his final days.