Andres Ramos

In Loving Memory of Andres (Andy) Ramos

May 20, 1936 – July 24, 2025

Andres "Andy" Ramos, a deeply loving father, devoted husband, and quiet source of strength for all who knew him, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved with his whole heart.

He was born on May 20, 1936, in Santurce, Puerto Rico, to Patria Rivera and Andres Ramos Sr. Though his early years were modest, they were filled with love, laughter, and strong family values. He often credited his beloved aunt Albertina ("Mamita") and his grandmother Martina ("Mama") for helping raise him with care, discipline, and affection-gifts that would shape the man he became.

At the age of 12, Andy moved with his mother to New York, beginning a new chapter filled with purpose and perseverance. At 21, he reunited with his childhood friend Ana Maria Cantres through family, they fell in love and soon after, they were married on June 8, 1957. Their love story spanned 47 beautiful years until Ana's passing in 2004. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, humor, sacrifice, and above all, love.

Andy and Ana raised three children-James, Minerva, and Victoria (Vicky)-instilling in them the same values that guided his life. He also played a major role in raising his younger brother Anthony, whom he loved and supported like a son. Andy worked tirelessly to support his family, holding several jobs before settling into a long and successful career with the New York City Housing Authority, where he worked for 30 years before retiring.

For fun, Andy had a deep love for music-especially salsa-which filled the house with rhythm, energy, and joy. Dancing and playing music were constants in his life, and he made sure that his home was always alive with movement and sound. He loved nothing more than taking Ana out dancing and enjoying family parties filled with laughter, music, and food. He also had a lifelong passion for baseball and boxing, never missing a big fight or game. And when it came to downtime with family and friends, there was nothing he loved more than a good game of dominoes. He took great pride in teaching most of the children in his life how to play, turning each match into a lesson in strategy, connection, and fun.

Andy also loved celebrating his Puerto Rican heritage and looked forward every year to attending the Puerto Rican Day Parade, the 116th Street Festival, and Old Timers Day in New York City. These events brought him immense joy and pride, and he made sure to share them with his children, passing down his love for culture, music, and community. He wanted them to feel the same pride in their roots and the same connection to their history and people. His commitment to celebrating his heritage left a lasting impression that lives on in each of them.

And if there was one thing Andy loved as much as music and family, it was food. He had a huge love for good meals, especially sweets. Even if he was full, there was always just enough room for dessert.

To Andy, family was everything. He leaves behind his children, James and wife Monique, Minerva and husband Barry, and Vicky and husband Curtis. He also leaves his brother Anthony and wife Shannon; his grandchildren Phillip and wife Mary, Jessica and partner Dominic, Marissa and partner Davin, Ramon, Jasmin and husband David II, Sabrina and partner Kenneth, and Lance; great-grandchildren - Jaida, Zyaire, David III, and Kaleb. He was predeceased by his sister/cousin Maria Antonia, but her memory remained close to his heart. He is also fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends who have become family along the way.

A special thank you to Sandra Smith and her family, whose love, friendship, and presence were a constant source of joy and support throughout the years.

Andy lived with a quiet grace, a steady hand, and a heart full of love. Though he sometimes felt he didn't deserve all the blessings in his life, those who knew him know just how much more he truly deserved. His legacy is not only in the stories we tell, but in the strength, values, and love he passed down to generations.

We will miss his wisdom, his gentle presence, his laugh, and the way he made each of us feel like we were his greatest joy. Rest peacefully, Dad. You were-and always will be-our greatest gift.