Jose R. RAMIREZ

RAMIREZ, Jose R. Attorney Jose Rafael Ramirez, beloved husband of Cecily England, died at home on 23 September 2010 after a long illness. Born in Puerto Rico, Jose attended schools in New York before enlisting in the U.S. Navy where he served for six years rising to officer rank. Jose graduated from the University of New Haven with honors and The University of Connecticut School of Law, passing the Bar Exam in 1973. He worked as supervisor and hearing officer for the Connecticut Human Rights & Opportunities Commission while attending school and at graduation became an attorney with the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Agency. In the 1980's he was an attorney for the State of Connecticut serving as Deputy Legal Council to Gov. William O'Neill from 1983 to 1985. Gov. O'Neill appointed him Deputy Commissioner of the CT Department of Human Resources in 1985. For twenty years prior to 2004 when he retired, Jose served as the full time Corporation Counsel for the Town of East Hartford. In 1990 he successfully argued an anti pornography town ordinance case before the U.S. 2nd District Court of Appeals. For most of his career Jose lived in Bolton, where he served on the Public Building Commission and Charter Revision Commission. He taught legal research and writing and legal ethics at Manchester Community College. He was a member of The Rockville Fish and Game Club and enjoyed both freshwater and deep-sea fishing. With his passing Jose leaves his daughter, Dawn Pelazza (John) his sisters and brothers Millie Sarni (Michael), Luis Ramirez (Donna), Julio Ramirez (Robin), Lydia DeJesus, Iris Reyes (Jose), Tony Ramirez (Lucille), Peter Ramirez (Ayxta), Maria Ramirez, Robert Ramirez (Norma), Sandy Sheldon and Carmen Cruz (Frank) as well as sister-in-law, Ann England, close friends, Nino Dibiase (Anna) Lew Stein (Diane), Kevin Marquis and Clifford Marquis and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Amelia Huertas and Pedro E. Ramirez and stepfather Juan Fonseca, a sister Lucia Cruz and two brothers Santos Ramirez and David Fonseca and in-laws Cecil and Lillian England, uncle, Francis Glista. Jose family wishes to thank the Visiting Nurses North Central Hospice and Palliative Care Counselors, nurses and staff, particularly Nancy Santiago, Judy Kurban and Julie Lardizzone, Doctors Ranjit Kuru and Harry Morgan, the reverends Michael P. Donnelly and Patricia Naegli, and the excellent caregivers at Crestfield Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center. Funeral services will be held Tuesday September 28, 2010 at 11 AM at the Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main St., Manchester. Burial with Military Honors will be in St. James Cemetery. Calling hours will Monday September 27, 2010 from 5-8 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Visiting Nurse & Health Services Inc., (North Central Hospice) 8 Keynote Dr., Vernon, CT 06066 or a charity of the Donors Choice. To sign the online register book go to www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com