Augustine Ramirez

Augustine “Augie” Ramirez passed away peacefully, in the family home, on the morning of Friday, August 8, 2014, surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. Augustine was a native of the Corona/Norco area of California and was born in Corona to Epamuceno, of Yurecuaro, Michoacn, Mexico and Mercedes Garcia Ramirez, of Tanhuato, Michoacn, Mexico on October 9, 1929. He grew up on his familys ranch, near what is now Bluff Street in Norco, and began school knowing only his native Spanish. Education was important to his parents, and he was encouraged to work hard and learned that through perseverance, you may attain any goal you set for your self. Augie excelled at academics and athletics and eventually was accepted at the University of California, Berkeley, which he had to turn down because he could not afford the tuition. He instead attended Chaffey Junior College for two years and then transferred to the University of California, Santa Barbara where in 1951 he earned his Bachelors degree with a Major in Spanish and a Minor in Physical Education. He earned a Teaching Credential from UCLA two years later and a Masters degree in School Administration at Cal State Los Angeles in 1953. He then went on to earn a Doctorate in Educational Administration from his beloved University of Southern California (USC), Augies studies, however, were set aside when he served in active duty in the Army during the Korean War, in 1953 to 1955. After basic training, he was deployed to Camp Tortuguero, Puerto Rico as a language instructor. During his service to our country, he received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal and was honorably discharged in June of 1955. Augie then began his successful career in Education, beginning with his first teaching assignment at Fontana High School, went on to become Asst. Principal at Corona Senior High School, then a Principal at Norco Junior High, becoming Assistant Superintendent under then- Supt. Dr. Charles Terrell. He served as Superintendent of Corona-Norco Unified School District for seven years, with his final position as Assistant Superintendent of San Bernardino Office of Education in January of 1991. A strong believer in community service, Augie served on numerous community task forces and committees. Augie also was a member of the following professional memberships; Phi Delta Kappa, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), Chairmanship for ten years; EDUCARE member, USC; Southern California Superintendents; California City Superintendents; American Association of School Administrators; Corona Lions Club; Corona Rotary Club and San Bernardino Rotary Club. During his tenure at UCLA, he met a special woman that he referred to as “the love of my life,” Connie Plagge Meeker and they were joined in Marriage on August 10, 1957 at St. Edwards Church in Corona, CA and came within two days of celebrating 57 years together. They have three children together; Linda Ramirez Fishel (Richard), of Coeur dAlene, Idaho; Kenneth Ramirez of Corona, CA and Stephen Ramirez (Maria), of San Diego, CA. Augustine is also survived by his grandchildren, Nicole Gordon and Courtney Gordon, of Boulder, Colorado, and Rick Fishel, Jr. of Washington, DC; Jennifer Ramirez and Kyle Ramirez, of Corona, CA; and Erica Ramirez and Alexa Ramirez of San Diego, CA. His final surviving sibling is Eva Mejia, of Corona, CA. His parents, several siblings as well as one grandson, Steven D. Augustine Ottinger, predeceased him. The family would like to thank the CNUSD Board of Education and community for naming an Intermediate School in his honor, The Dr. Augustine Ramirez Intermediate School, in Eastvale, CA. This was the highlight of his career and he watched the progress, from the first shovel of dirt to the final coat of paint being applied, with awe and modesty. The family would also like to thank the caregivers at Comfort Keepers; Kathy, Dora, Maria, and Sally; and at Gentiva Hospice, Antoinette and Rhonda - your loving assistance and quiet service to the family cannot be overstated. Thank you to Dr. Bruce Johnson, for unwavering loyalty and consistent visits, thank you to Caren and Steve Wright for always being available, and to Dr. Ryan Lewis, opening Principal and John Farr, Asst. Principal, for your frequent home visits, updates on the progress at Ramirez Intermediate School, and opportunities for the sharing of values, guiding principles and nuggets of wisdom gained throughout his 40 plus years of educational leadership. Visitation and Rosary will be held Friday, August 15th from 5pm-7pm at Thomas Miller Mortuary, with the Funeral Mass on Monday, August 18th at 10:00am at St. Edwards Church. Interment at Riverside National Cemetery will be private. Memorial donations in Dr. Augustine Ramirezs name may be made to the Corona Norco Management Association (CNMA) Scholarship Fund, c/o Russ Marsh, Treasurer, CNMA, Riverview Elementary School, 4600 Pedley Ave., Norco, CA 92860. Any questions may be directed to Russ Marsh at: [emailprotected]. Visitation Location Not Available Friday 8/15, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Service Location Not Available Friday 8/15, 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm St. Edward Catholic Church 417 W. Grand Blvd. Corona, CA Monday 8/18, 10:00 am - 11:00 am