PHILLIP MARTINEZ RAMOS, SR.

On the evening of August 17, 2025, at 5:06 PM, Phillip M. Ramos, Sr., surrounded by his loving family, passed away peacefully due to natural causes at the Whittier Medical Center, Whittier, California. Mr. Ramos was 102 years old.

Mr. Ramos was born to Pedro and Maria Martinez on July 5, 1923, in Santa Paula, California.

Mr. Ramos was an excellent athlete and held the City of Los Angeles cross-country record while attending Garfield High School in 1939. He was an adept golfer, baseball player, and bowler. His favorite hobby in later years was golfing, which he enjoyed with friends, business associates, and relatives.

In 1942, he married Nicole Emma Silva.

From 1942 to 1945, he served as a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II for the Pacific Campaign.

On July 4, 1943, he became the proud father of twin sons, Phillip Jr. and Joseph. On March 17, 1950, he welcomed a daughter, Elizabeth Ramos.

Mr. Ramos had become a resident of Montebello in 1956.

Mr. Ramos became Mayor of the City of Montebello for three terms in 1976, 1980, and 1984. He also served as the City Treasurer from 1987 to 1995 and on the Planning Commission from 1963 to 1971. He was recognized for his integrity and business acumen, which helped move the city forward.

He served his community with outstanding accomplishments by being the first Hispanic to be nominated to the California State University, Los Angeles advisory board, on which he served from 1963 to 1971. He was the first Hispanic elected president of the Independent Cities Association, in 1979. At the same time, he advanced in his professional career, becoming president of two Teledyne Fortune 500 companies, again, as the first Hispanic to receive this distinction.

Throughout his life, Mr. Ramos was a Shining Star Achiever. In 2016, the City of Montebello awarded him the Shining Star Lifetime Achiever Award.

After Teledyne Wire & Cable closed their operations in Southern California, Mr. Ramos chose not to retire.

He called his son, Phillip Jr., Founder and Owner of Philatron Wire & Cable, and asked him if he had a position for him. Of course! Phillip Jr. welcomed his Dad to join his company as Executive Vice-President. With decades of experience as a wire and cable manufacturing executive, Mr. Ramos brought invaluable leadership, professionalism, engineering knowledge, and business expertise to Philatron. He contributed to the company for more than three decades, leaving an enduring legacy for both the company and its employees.

Additionally, Mr. Ramos supported his Daughter, Elizabeth, with her business, Rapid Advancement Community Counseling, which is dedicated to helping families.

Phillip is preceded in death by his wife, Emma, and his son, Joseph. He is survived by his son, Phillip Jr., his daughter Elizabeth, his grandchildren - Phillip-III, Nick, Candi, Joey, Jason, Jonathan, and Erick, his great grandchildren – Erin, Phillip IV, Donavan, Breanna, Jacob Ramos, Jennica, Jared, Gena, Rebecca, Xavier, Jacob Gildart, Justice, Gavin, and Jocelyn, his great-great granddaughter – Aria, and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Visitation & Rosary - Thursday, August 28th - 4:00 - 6:00 PM - Risher Mortuary 1316 W. Whittier Blvd., Montebello, CA

Mass - Friday, August 29th - 11:00 AM - St. Benedict Church - 1022 W. Cleveland Avenue, Montebello, CA

Graveside Service - Friday, August 29th - 12:30 - Resurrection Cemetery - 966 Potrero Grade, Rosemead, CA

Reception - Friday, August 29th - 1:00-4:00 PM - Doubletree Rosemead Hotel - 888 Montebello Blvd., Rosemead, CA