Anthony J. Ramos

Anthony Josiah Ramos, age 5, of Central Falls, Rhode Island, passed into the arms of Jesus on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence. He was the beloved and cherished son of Tiffany Medeiros.

Anthony was not defined by his suffering. He was not defined by a diagnosis, a machine, or a hospital room. Anthony was defined by love-by strength, by presence, and by a smile that spoke louder than words ever could.

From the very beginning, Anthony's life was marked by courage. He spent the first 51 days of his life in the NICU, which became his introduction to the world. What followed was a journey of home, then the PICU, then home again-only to return once more. Hospitals became familiar. Beeping machines became background noise. Doctors and nurses became extended family. Yet even in rooms filled with fear and uncertainty, Anthony brought something sacred with him. He brought light. Anthony lived with a severe brain injury, and his body carried a weight it was never meant to bear. But his soul-his soul was never broken.

If you ever saw Anthony smile, you know exactly what that meant. That smile didn't always make sense medically. It didn't match charts, numbers, or prognoses. But it showed up anyway-after long nights, after procedures, after moments when his body should have been too tired. That smile would stop people in their tracks. Nurses would pause. Doctors would soften. And his mother would think, "There you are, my boy."

That smile was proof that he was still fighting, still trusting, still choosing to be present in a body that had every reason to give up. And every time it appeared, it felt like God whispering, "I am still here."

Anthony taught everyone around him profound lessons without ever needing words. He showed that joy can exist alongside suffering. That strength does not always roar. Sometimes, strength looks like staying.

His mother prayed fiercely for healing, and she prayed just as fiercely for peace. Both prayers came from love-and both were heard. Scripture says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." God was close to Anthony in every moment-when he struggled, when he smiled, when he was held, and when he took his final breath.

Anthony endured more in his short life than many endure in decades, and his story is not one of tragedy alone. His life mattered. He changed people. He softened hearts. He taught patience, compassion, and the importance of slowing down to see what truly matters. Now, Anthony is free-free from pain, free from machines, free from limits.

As Scripture tells us, "It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power." What his body could not do here, heaven has restored. He runs now. He laughs now. And that beautiful smile shines brighter than ever. Jesus said, "Let the little children come unto Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Anthony went straight into His arms.

Anthony loved watching Sesame Street, especially Elmo, and he deeply loved his mother, who devoted her life to him and could always make him smile and laugh. She is profoundly proud to be his mother-proud of every fight, every sleepless night, every moment she chose him again and again.

Anthony is survived by his mother, Tiffany Medeiros; his grandparents, Osvalda Medeiros and David Martins of East Providence; his aunt and godmother, Emily Medeiros of East Providence; and several loving cousins, including Aarik Beauparlant, Jr., Joslyn Ava Santos, and Caroline Medeiros. Maria Medeiros John Garnetto, Jr. Hazel Medeiros Kendra Medeiros

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many doctors, nurses, and therapists who cared for Anthony throughout his life and loved him so well. This is not goodbye. This is until we meet again. Amen.

At the family's request, funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Anthony's memory to assist his family with funeral expenses (https://www.gofundme.com/f/RestinpeaceAj) are sincerely appreciated. Condolences may be shared at www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln.