Ramon John Nieto

Nieto, Ramon John Born in Milwaukee and formerly of Sacramento, CA found peace on 5/9/15 surrounded by family at his home in Kelso, WA. A former Marine and marksman/ paratrooper with the Army 101st Airborne Division he re-enlisted in1965 and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines. The legendary fighting force, known as the 2/9 and mottoed "Hell in a Helmet." His active career came to nearly a fatal end shot in the heart and lung, he was assumed to be mortally wounded and likely would have died had it not been for the heroic efforts of the medic who held his heart in his hands while he was being airlifted from the field. During his recovery, Corporal Nieto was promoted to Lance Corporal and presented with his second Purple Heart, one of the many honors he earned throughout his valiant military career. Discharged, both decorated and honored he returned to his home in Smith River. Back in Smith River, Ramon met his wife Mary Charley. It was a marriage that would last a lifetime, eclipsing 48 years by time of his passing. In August of 1971, Ramon demonstrated the heart of a 2/9 Marine once again when he selflessly dove into the waters of the Smith river and rescued an unconscious local pastor who himself was drowning after trying to rescue a drowning child. The Pastor survived, and others were able to locate and resuscitate the boy. He was hailed by the local newspaper and honored with a Citation of Merit in early 1972 by the local VFW Post 1381. Mr. Nieto was concurrently a member of the American Legion Post 712, where he would serve as Commander for 4 years in the mid-1970's. Ramon was an integral part of the annual reunions for the 2/9's Vietnam group and attended every year for the past 20. Mr. Nieto's deep-rooted sense of loyalty was borne out in every area of his life, but perhaps never more evident than in his undying support for the Green Bay Packers. A shareholder and a season ticket holder even when living out on the West Coast, he always sported the latest in Packer memorabilia and attire. After relocating from Sacramento to Washington last summer, Ramon was diagnosed with terminal cancer. In spite of his great pain, he again fought valiantly and conceded only when fighting made no sense, and continued like the warrior he was until his last breath. Ramon will be buried with Military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia on the morning of June 30, 2015. Preceded in death by: parents, John Nieto and Mary (Blazevich) Luchini brother Richard Nieto sisters Raquel Ciano and Susie Luchini his beloved daughter, Mariann Nieto. Ramon is survived by: his loving wife of 48 years, Mary (Charley) Nieto sisters, Angela Luchini (Tim Brazy) and Phyllis Kaebisch (Norbert) brother, John Nieto sister-in-law, Marlene Nieto uncle, John Blazevic daughters, Debbie Crist (Dean Crist), Lori Bowen and Donna Hendrix son, Terry Whisenhunt (Heather) many nieces and nephews ten grandchildren his cohort brothers from the 2/9 Marines his loyal German Shepherd Pansy and devoted Chihuahua Packie.