Miguel Antonio Ramirez

Miguel Antonio Ramirez passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024, with the love of his life and their two daughters by his side after a 36 day battle with a severe lung condition.
Miguelito, Miguelon, Papi Lindo, Pa, Elegua: A man with multiple nicknames, a big heart, a big smile, an incredible sense of humor and the best dance moves was born to Rosaura America Castellanos and Vincente Ramirez in Guayaquil, Ecuador on July 5, 1941. He was the oldest of 7 sons and was raised by his mamita (grandmother) and Tio Claro alongside his mother.
While developing a close relationship with his mamita, he learned how to cook, garden, (especially medicinal plants) and how to run a household. As a teenager, he needed to support his family. He left his home and traveled throughout South and Central America doing odd jobs including soccer player, soccer coach, singer and dance teacher. In 1969, he moved to California seeking the American dream. From California he made his way to New York City, where dreams are truly made.
As a philosopher intrigued by various religions, he was initiated into Santeria in 1979 and became a priest within the religion. He spent the next forty-five years guiding many younger practitioners, priests and priestess until the last month of his life. His passion for the religion and Orishas fostered his belief that life does not end with death of the body but instead transitions into a new form. He reminded all who loved him never to cry for him in death but to instead always laugh and celebrate him because he would always be with them to guide them.
In 1981, he met the love of his life, his soulmate, Judith Ramirez, who had traveled from Puerto Rico to visit her sister, Miguel's coworker, in New York. After she had returned to her home, Miguel pretended Judith had given him her number, told his coworker that he had accidentally lost it, and asked for it. Miguel, a charming and convincing storyteller, got the information he was after. This began a year-long distance relationship with Judith, culminating in a small wedding in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Judith moved to the Bronx and welcomed their first daughter, Susan on October 19,1983 and their second daughter, Ivonne on August 3, 1987. Tired of the rising crime and city life, in July 1995 they moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL, where he became a U.S. Citizen. In 2022, after Judith retired, they moved to Belchertown MA to be closer to their daughters.
To know Miguel was to experience sunshine even on the darkest days. The moment he heard a music beat he couldn't help but dance. He was always the life of the party. Not only dancing through the commercials on the radio, but telling jokes that made the room burst into laughter. Between jokes, his old soul would shine through giving the individual in front of him life advice. His joy came from seeing others happy. With his big heart, the moment Miguel met you, he offered to cook you a meal. As he grew to know you, his love for you came through by cooking you your favorite meal.
A MacGyver in his own way, he learned how to build and renovate, enjoying not only the end result but the journey of D-I-Ying. A month before his passing he was cutting down trees and building a chicken coop for his 5 chickens and 2 roosters.
On a given day you would find Miguel in either three places: gardening in the backyard, cooking in the kitchen, or sitting in his favorite recliner reading a book on religion or philosophy or watching an action movie. For those wondering, Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, John Claude Van Damme, Steven Segal, Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham were the greatest and no one could ever compete with them. And unless he was watching a movie music was always blasting, specifically salsa and merengue, which moved him to dance around the room.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter that will continue to inspire all who knew him. Miguel will be deeply missed by his soulmate and wife, Judith, and their two daughters, Susan and Ivonne, his sons-in-law Justin DeBlois and Randy Chung, and his two granddaughters Addison and Natalie who were the light of his life.
Additionally, he leaves behind 5 children from a previous marriage: Miguel, Antonio, Magaly, Ivan and Helen, their children and grandchildren; His brothers Luis, Jose, Alfredo and Giovanni; as well as nieces and nephews, many beloved cousins, and cherished lifelong friends.
He is now reunited with his mamita, his mother, his father, two of his brothers: Carlos and Edmundo, sister-in-law and closest friend Isabel "la flaca", his Tio Claro and many others.
Viewing hours will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm. The viewing dress code is business casual. Immediate family will be wearing white. Extended family and guests are welcomed to wear light colored clothing. Unfortunately the funeral home cannot accommodate refreshments.
Beers and Story - South Hadley