Ian Thomas Pramuk
March 28, 1983 - October 13, 2024
NAPA - Ian Thomas Pramuk, born at Queen of the Valley Hospital, March 28, 1983, died there on October 13, 2024, after a long illness.
Ian was bright, compassionate, funny, and talented. One of his good friends said: "Ian is the funniest person I ever met". From an early age, Ian exuded stage presence, personality, and a penchant for direct action, as shown in Cub Scout skits, talent shows, even an SF Chronicle ad for Macy's as a toddler.
Ian attended Napa High, played alto saxophone in the marching band and sang in the Concert Choir and the Chamber Choir. His voice, which started out with wandering pitch as a tyke, matured into a beautiful, clear and pitch-perfect baritone/tenor. While at Napa High, he performed in theatre productions including the lead role in "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown".
Ian studied in the Actors Training Program with Sam Schieber, and joined the nascent North Bay Opera Theatre Ensemble (NBOTE) under Sam's direction. After the first rehearsal he went home and told his dad the chorus was short on basses. He asked him if he would join, which he did, leading to many concerts and happy hours for them together.
Ian worked and explored the U.S., living in Philadelphia for a time and studying abroad in London. He earned his bachelor's degree at NYU in 'Dramatic Literature, Theatre History and the Cinema' and completed a year of study at De Paul University College of Law in Chicago.
While living in New York City, Ian worked at Per Se, the remarkable Thomas Keller restaurant when it opened. Starting at entry level in coffee service and as a Crystal Buffer (!), he rose to the position of Expediter ('Expo' as they say in the profession), orchestrating timely service of courses to the guests.
Ian's affinity for hospitality carried him through his time in Chicago and L.A. In his final years Ian worked and made good friends at a hotel in Napa.
Through his adult struggles with mental and physical health and addiction, Ian found strength in the loving support of his family. He was surrounded by loved ones when he died.
His large, extended family loves him dearly. Ian is survived by his parents, Bill and Stephnia Pramuk, sister, Chelsea True and her daughter Amelie Woolf, brother, Dylan Pramuk (Erin) and their sons, Parker and Oliver, Grandmother, Tina Valenzuela, and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Ian's family is grateful to the Doctors, Nurses, and Hospice team for providing tender, loving care.
A Celebration of Ian's Life will be held on Saturday, November 16, 11:00 AM at Napa Methodist Church, 620 Randolph St.
Donations in Ian's honor can be made to Queen of the Valley Foundation:
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Nancy Bradford
November 17, 2024
Stephnia and Bill, thinking of you with deepest sympathy.
Nancy Tarlton
November 16, 2024
My heart goes out to Pramuk and Valenzuela family. Praying peace and love over everyone at this time.
Eldbjørg Setervang
October 26, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mrs. S
Donna Hamilton
October 25, 2024
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Rob Hansen
October 25, 2024
Thoughts and prayers to the entire family
God Bless
Rob and Misty Hansen
Janet Merry Botill
October 24, 2024
Stephnia and Family, may Ian rest in peace and sing with the angels. Thinking of you with deepest sympathy.
Dave Dunlap
October 23, 2024
Dear Bill and Family,
Please know that Emily and my hearts are with you in this difficult time. Having never met Ian it's hard to share any personal notes, but we know that you always did your best as parents and hope that you give each other the gift of forgiveness for any thoughts you might have of having somehow come up short. That is not the case and hug each other tightly.
Love,
Dave and Emily
Lucy Salazar Allen
October 22, 2024
There are no words that can heal the hurt that you are going through...but I hope you find some peace and comfort in knowing that so many people hold you in their hearts right now. Extending heartfelt condolences in your tragic loss-I love you Steph, Bill, Dylan and the entire Pramuk/Valenzuela family. Lucy
Janet and Dan Farmer and family
October 22, 2024
Ian had a flair for the dramatic as a young child, too. One of the funniest memories Dan and I have of him was when he was our waiter, "Rudolph" when we were visiting the family for dinner. He had a little order pad and everything!
Sending love and strength from the Stachon Farmer family.
Patrick Lewis
October 22, 2024
Our Family grew up across the street from the Parmuk Family. Just a wonderful family in every sense of the word. our hearts go out to Billl and his wife over their loss. Believing their son is in heaven gives us all comfort. We will keep your son and the whole Pramuk Clan ( of which there are a ton of them) thoughts and prayers.
Susan Cosentino
October 22, 2024
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Carol and Fred
October 22, 2024
Ian stood out even in the very talented group of his school peers. Quiet in class, his writing showed his brilliance, insights, warmth. On stage in NHS productions, he was perfection. Watching him and his best friend Jackie Brenneman in "Once Upon a Mattress" was one of the most entertaining theater experiences of my life. Fred and I are deeply sorry for the family's loss, for all our loss.
Cindy Watter
October 22, 2024
I remember Ian well from Napa High. He was such a sweet, intelligent young man, with so many talents. My condolences to his family.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more