John E. "Jai" Ramos

John E. "Jai" Ramos, age 80, of Pittsburgh, PA, formerly of Northern Virginia, Dunkirk, NY, and Puerto Rico, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, after a courageous 15-year battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Born on February 5, 1945, in Guayama, Puerto Rico, Jai was the son of the late Juan Ramos and Ramona Garcia. He was a loving and devoted husband to Kathleen Ann Ramos (formerly Francis), sharing 22 years of happiness, laughing, and making memories together while living in Pittsburgh, Latrobe, Philadelphia, and Fairfax, before returning to live in Pittsburgh in 2021 in the same neighborhood where they had met and married in 2003.

Jai was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Ramos, and his siblings, Victoria (Ramon) La Rosa, and Anna Ramos. Jai was the proud father of Carrie Angus (Lynn) Ramos, Heather Young, Cory (Nikki) Ramos, and Jaime Ramos. He was the cherished brother of Louis Ramos, Carmen (Garry) Smith, and Debra Coneys. Jai's memory will live on in his 12 grandchildren along with his great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Jai's love for family extended beyond his own, as he loved and was loved by his wife Kathy's Francis family. Together, Jai and Kathy shared a wonderful life full of love, laughter, and adventure. Whether they were vacationing in Cancun or Hawaii, moving houses, or simply spending quality time together, Jai and Kathy enjoyed a peaceful, happy life.

Jai graduated from Dunkirk High School in 1963. He enlisted in the Army in 1966 and served as a paratrooper in the 101 st Airborne. Jai earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from Fredonia State University in 1975. Jai's professional career included working as an elementary teacher, a tennis pro, a behavioral consultant, a salesman, a Spanish teacher, and a U.S. Census Bureau partnership specialist. He also owned and operated a bookstore in Columbia, MD for 9 years.

Jai was a man of many passions and talents. He was an avid salsa dancer, a talented singer, and an enthusiastic tennis player. He enjoyed biking, music, and gardening. His love for baseball, especially the New York Yankees, was unwavering. Jai was also a loyal fan of the Baltimore Ravens. His love for life was evident in everything he did, especially in the time he spent with his family. Jai was known for his courteous, friendly, and kind nature, always greeting everyone with a smile and a warm heart.

From August 2024 until his passing, Jai lived in personal/memory care at Vincentian Schenley Gardens where he was loved by residents and staff alike. He and Kathy continued to make memories in the personal care community, and his sister-in-law, Colleen Pilarski, visited often, bringing Jai much joy. Jai's strength and resilience in the face of Parkinson's Disease were a testament to his character. He fought bravely for 15 years, never losing his sense of humor, his love of music, or his passion for life.

A small military burial will be held on Friday, December 5th, at 1:00 p.m. at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. A Celebration of Life will be planned for the Spring of 2026, when family and friends will come together to honor Jai's memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation of Western Pennsylvania (PFWPA). To honor Jai, please remember to laugh, sing, dance, and plant flowers-just as he would have wanted.