Kenneth Ramirez

Kenneth A Ramirez, born January 7, 1962, and a cherished son of Dr. Augustine “Augie” and Connie Ramirez, passed away on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at the age of 62. The middle child of three, Ken was deeply rooted in his lifelong hometown of Corona, California, where he grew from an adventurous youth into a devoted family man.

Growing up in Corona, Ken’s childhood was marked by his boundless energy and spirited curiosity. His love for skateboarding was a hallmark of his youth, reflecting a personality that embraced fun and adventure. As a proud graduate of Corona High School, Ken was a standout athlete, known for his football prowess, which complemented his larger-than-life presence on and off the field.

Ken's vibrant spirit continued to shine brightly when he married Julie Marie Rodriguez on May 4, 1986. Their life together was enriched by the birth of their two children, Jenny and Kyle. Ken's dedication to his family was evident in every aspect of his life. When faced with the profound challenge of becoming a sole full-time parent to his young children, Ken embraced the role with love and resilience. His ability to adapt and thrive as a devoted father, learning the nuances of ponytails and tiny fingernail painting, illustrated his deep commitment and affection.

Ken was a familiar and supportive presence at Centennial High’s Friday night football games, always on the field or in the stands, rooting for his children long after they had graduated. At home, he brought joy and laughter through games like Aggravation and Rummy, creating cherished memories with his family. His love for these games, coupled with his competitive spirit, often resulted in lively and sometimes intense family gatherings.

In addition to his family life, Ken had a wide range of interests. His love for sports spanned college football, baseball, golf, NASCAR, and IndyCar. Ken enjoyed riding his motorcycle, which he affectionately called his “hog,” taking long walks around Corona, building and flying model airplanes, and tracking planes and bird cams. His hobbies were as varied as his interests, reflecting a personality that was both engaging and inquisitive.

Ken’s greatest pride was his children. His joy in swimming with them playing Marco Polo and his enthusiasm for competitive sports inspired Jenny and Kyle to pursue their passions, with both becoming certified aquatic instructors for young children. Ken's legacy of love and dedication will live on through their work and the close-knit family bonds he nurtured.

Ken is survived by his children, Jennifer Ramirez (Dustin) and Kyle Ramirez, both of Corona, CA; his siblings, Linda Fishel (Richard) of Coeur d’Alene, ID, and Steve Ramirez (Maria) of San Diego, CA; as well as his beloved nieces and nephew, Courtney Eisenberg (Tres Rios, Costa Rica), Nicole Fazio (Superior, CO), Erica Ramirez (San Diego, CA), and Alex Ramirez (San Diego, CA). He is also survived by his extended “family” of lifelong friends, a testament to Ken’s warmth and lasting impact on those around him.

A memorial service to celebrate Ken’s life will be held on August 28 at 11:00 AM at Thomas Miller Mortuary in Corona. A reception will follow the service, and we hope you can join us to remember and celebrate Ken’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to his GoFundMe page in Ken’s memory (https://bit.ly/4dTAPIL).

The Ramirez family extends their heartfelt thanks to the friends and family who have shown their support during this time. Ken will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, as he was well-known for his kindness and generosity. Ken’s journey has brought him to a peaceful reunion with his beloved "Aug," and his memory will forever be cherished.