Dr. Augustine Ramirez

1929 - 2014

DR. AUGUSTINE RAMIREZ 10/09/29 08/08/14 Augustine "Augie" Ramirez passed away peacefully, in the family home, on the morning of Friday, August 8, 2014, surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. Augustine was a native of the Corona/Norco area of California and was born in Corona to Epamuceno, of Yurecuaro, Michoac n, Mexico and Mercedes Garcia Ramirez, of Tanhuato, Michoac n, Mexico on October 9, 1929. Education was important to his parents, and he was encouraged to work hard and learned that through perseverance, you may attain any goal you set for your self. He attended Chaffey College for two years and then transferred to the U.C. Santa Barbara where in 1951 he earned his Bachelor's degree. He earned a Teaching Credential from UCLA two years later and a Master's degree in School Administration at Cal State Los Angeles in 1953. He earned a Doctorate in Educational Administration from his beloved University of Southern California (USC). Augie served in active duty in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was deployed to Puerto Rico as an English Language Instructor. Augie then began his successful career in Education, beginning with his first teaching assignment at Fontana High School, and went on to become Asst. Principal at Corona Senior High School, Principal at Norco Junior High, Assistant Superintendent under then- Supt. Dr. Charles Terrell. He served as Superintendent of Corona-Norco Unified School District for seven years, retiring as Assistant Superintendent of San Bernardino Office of Education in January of 1991. During his time at UCLA, he met a special woman that he referred to as "the love of my life," Connie Plagge Meeker and they were joined in marriage on August 10, 1957 at St. Edward's Church in Corona, CA and came within two days of celebrating 57 years together. They have three children together; Linda Ramirez Fishel (Richard), of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Kenneth Ramirez of Corona, CA and Stephen Ramirez (Maria), of San Diego, CA. Augustine is also survived by his grandchildren, Nicole and Courtney Gordon, of Boulder, Colorado, Rick Fishel, Jr. of Washington, DC; Jennifer and Kyle Ramirez, of Corona, CA; and Erica and Alexa Ramirez of San Diego, CA. His final surviving sibling is Eva Mejia, of Corona, CA. His parents, several siblings as well as one grandson, Steven D. Augustine Ottinger, predeceased him. The family would like to thank the CNUSD Board of Education and community for naming an Intermediate School in his honor, The Dr. Augustine Ramirez Intermediate School, in Eastvale, CA. This was the highlight of his career and he watched the progress, from the first shovel of dirt to the final coat of paint being applied, with awe and modesty. The family would also like to thank the caregivers at Comfort Keepers; Kathy, Dora, Maria, and Sally; and at Gentiva Hospice, Antoinette and Rhonda your loving assistance and quiet service to the family cannot be overstated. Thank you to Dr. Bruce Johnson, for unwavering loyalty and consistent visits, thank you to Caren and Steve Wright for always being available, and to Dr. Ryan Lewis, opening Principal and John Farr, Asst. Principal, for your frequent home visits, and updates on the progress at Ramirez Intermediate School. Visitation and Rosary will be held Friday, August 15th from 5pm-7pm at Thomas Miller Mortuary, with the Funeral Mass on Monday, August 18th at 10:00am at St. Edwards Church. Interment at Riverside National Cemetery will be private. Memorial donations in Dr. Augustine Ramirez's name may be made to the Corona Norco Management Association (CNMA) Scholarship Fund, c/o Russ Marsh, Treasurer, CNMA, Riverview Elementary School, 4600 Pedley Ave., Norco, CA 92860.