Rogelio "Pia" Ramos

Rogelio "Pia" Ramos 1945-2008 Rogelio "Pia" Ramos, 62, of Austin passed away on Sunday March 2, 2008 after a brief illness. 'Pia', as he was known by all who knew him, was born in Sugarland, Texas on April 4, 1945, the youngest child of Alfonso Ramos, Sr. and Elvira Perez Ramos. Pia is preceded in death by his parents, Alfonso Ramos, Sr., Elvira Perez Ramos, brother Elijio Ramos; brother-in-law John Salas Sr. and niece Susan Salas Davila. In 1949, the Ramos family moved to Austin from Sugarland and Pia attended Metz and Palm Elementary schools, then Allen Jr. High school. Sometime in the early 1960's while attending Albert Sydney Johnston High School, Pia's musical career began at the age of 16 when his brothers, Elijio, Alfonso, Ruben and Joe, wanting to keep their little brother close, placed a bass guitar in his hand and made him Bass player for the Alfonso Ramos Orchestra. And without one note of formal musical training, save what he picked up from brothers and fellow musicians, it wasn't long before he got the 'hang' of his instrument and was playing with the sound of a seasoned professional. Within a few years, his thirst for a 'different' sound got the better of him and in 1969, Pia started his band "The Mexican Revolution" and shortly thereafter convinced his brother Ruben to be the lead singer, and the rest is history. Rogelio ('Roy'/'Pia') Ramos was an extraordinary Bass player whose musical ability knew no bounds. In addition to the usual Tejano/Latin fare of 'Polkas', 'Cumbias', 'Boleros', 'Mambos', 'Corridos', 'Danzones' and 'Salsa'; Pia could play 'Rhythm and Blues', Rock 'n Roll', 'Country ', and his favorite of all 'Jazz! It was not unusual to find Pia constantly practicing on his Bass Guitar at any hour of the day, with an occasional small break for meals! The natural musical talent that allowed Pia to help in the band's musical compositions AND to be the main rhythmic backbone for the Mexican Revolution Band will be greatly missed. But even more so will we all miss Pia's humble easy going manner of treating his family, friends and fellow musicians that only those who knew him can express. In addition to playing bass with the Alfonso Ramos Orchestra, the Mexican Revolution bands, with Roy Montelongo, TeJazz and Los Flames, Pia spent four years touring with Bill Pinkney's Original Drifters Band out of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Among his musical accomplishments include 'Best Bass' 2006 Academy of Tejano Artists and Musicians, Induction to the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame 2007, and a Grammy Nomination with the Mexican Revolution Band in 2008. Pia enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, working crossword puzzles, an occasional 'Poker' game and of course his Scratch-offs! God keep you, Pia, and we'll see you in a little bit! Pia is survived by his wife Angie Sais and her daughters Stephanie Torres and Maricella Jaso. He is also survived by the mother of his children Rachel Mendez Ramos, and their daughter Rachel Galindo (Fred), sons Brian Ramos and Vincent Ramos, four granddaughters, eight grandsons, and a host of loving nieces and nephews. Also surviving him is his sister Inez Ramos Salas, and brothers Alfonso Ramos Jr. (Margaret), Ruben Ramos, and Joe Ramos (Cynthia). Recitation of Holy Rosary will be recited on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., Mission Funeral Home Serenity Chapel 6204 South First Street (South). Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church 1206 E. Ninth Street. Burial will follow at Santa Maria Cemetery in Pflugerville, Texas Serving as pallbearers are his nephews, John Salas, Jr., Carlos Ramos, Joseph Ramos, Ruben Rene Ramos, Orland Ramos and Joe Ramos, II. View memorials on-line, visit http://www.missionmemrials. com