Quintin Ramirez

Quintin Ramirez, 83, of Jacksonville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025. Born on the 5th of December in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, Quintin's life was marked by an unshakeable devotion to those he loved and a quiet strength that touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Like many Puerto Ricans of his generation, Quintin followed his older brothers and sisters in moving from the island of Puerto Rico to the cities of the mainland northeast; first, to Philadelphia, then to New York City. Quintin learned to speak English and adjust to a new culture as a young teen in NYC. After high school, to keep out of trouble and to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Eduardo, Quintin joined the U.S. Air Force. Quintin's time in the Air Force took him to far-off, exotic places like Morocco, Africa, and Lincoln, Nebraska.

On August 7, 1970, Quintin's world changed forever when he married his soulmate, Ms. Sandra Patterson, in New York City. What followed were 55 extraordinary years of partnership-a love story filled with inside jokes, shared dreams, and the kind of companionship that only deepened with time. Together, they created not just a marriage, but a home overflowing with warmth and laughter.

Quintin's greatest joy was being "Dad" to his five children: Michele Martorana (Thomas), Myrna Mercurio (Gino), Melissa Kilmer (Marc), Nicole Nisperos (Ernest), and Charles Ramirez. He was their trusted advisor, and the safe harbor they could always return to. His love for them was unconditional and fierce.

In addition to their own five children, Quintin and Sandy also opened their home to dozens of foster children. They knew that they couldn't fix all the circumstances that were affecting those children, but when they were in the Ramirez home, those kids were loved and well-cared for.

As "Popa," Quintin found a whole new level of happiness. His 12 grandchildren-Justin Detres (Samantha), Corey Detres, Nicholas Martorana, Meghan Martorana, Rayna Mercurio, Casey Mercurio, Natalie Kilmer, Brian Kilmer, Kaylee Nisperos, Skylar Nisperos (Collin Hines), Aiden Nisperos, and Isaiah Roberts-brought endless joy to his days. And his 5 great-grandchildren-Gabriel Detres, Genesis Detres, Azyel Detres, Capri Miller, and Evelyn Detres-gave him yet another reason to smile. Each one held a special place in his heart.

For over two decades, Quintin worked at the New York City Transit Authority. He retired to North Carolina in 1992, where he enjoyed fishing at the beach, grilling out, and taking care of his grandchildren.

If you knew Quintin, you knew that he wasn't always friendly, but he was kind. With four daughters and their friends always hanging around the apartment during their teen years, he could be hilariously grumpy, renaming every boy in their orbit, "George," including the family cat. His wicked sense of humor could catch you off guard and leave you in stitches.

Quintin leaves behind his beloved wife Sandra, his brother Julio, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless family members and friends whose lives are richer for having known him. Though our hearts are heavy with loss, they're also full of gratitude for the time we had with this remarkable man. His legacy isn't just in the memories we carry-it's in the way he taught us to love deeply, laugh often, and live with purpose. We fully expect his divine intervention in helping us finally "hit the numbers."

His family will hold a Celebration of Life for Quintin on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Sandy and Quintin's home. For further details, please contact either Michele, Myrna, Melissa, or Nicole.