Alejandro Ramirez

Alejandro B. Ramirez, 82, of Stevensville, passed away into eternal life surrounded by his loving family on October 2nd, 2012.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saturday, October 6 at 9:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church Street, St. Joseph. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Friends may meet with the family from 3-6 PM Friday at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman. Memorial contributions may be given to the St. Joseph Catholic Church where Alejandro was a member and Lakeshore volleyball and track programs.

Alejandro was born to the late Ignacio and Francisca Ramirez in Naguilian, Isabela, Philippines on February 20th, 1930. He received his B.S. in education in 1954 graduating Cum Laude with a dual major in Mathematics and Physics at the University of Manila. In 1960, he earned his Master’s in Education at the University as well.

He began his teaching career at the Hillcrest Academy in Quezon City. He then proceeded to teach at San Francisco High School in the Philippines where he was not only a teacher but was involved in government and coaching softball and volleyball. While at the high school, he was granted funding to begin teaching Physics in an innovative manner of the times. Because of such endeavors, he was awarded a certificate of merit for distinguished service from the school.

Alejandro married his beautiful wife, Nelly (Gonzalvo) on July 2, 1954 in Manila, Philippines. Always wanting to provide the best for his family, Alejandro responded to a 1967 request to teach in the Unites States at Pittsburgh Catholic High School in PA. Leaving his family behind, he embarked on his journey to seek the American Dream. In 1969, he discovered a quaint little town in Michigan called St. Joseph and was hired as a Physics/ Mathematics teacher at St. Joseph High School. His family joined him in 1970 which was the beginning of the Ramirez legacy in the area. He served as the National Honor Society Advisor at St. Joseph High School. His goal was to always push his students to succeed in the classroom.

After retiring in 1990, he still made it his mission to attend the various athletic functions of his grandchildren. He was most adamant about helping his loved ones be successful and outstanding citizens of their community. Because of his strong emphasis on education, all of his children have earned college degrees.

He was also passionate about gardening where he turned mere seedlings into captured beauty. He also loved to watch football, with the Michigan Wolverines and the Pittsburgh Steelers being amongst his favorites.

Alejandro is preceded in death by his parents, six siblings, and his son, Ferdinand.

He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, sons and daughters, and their families. Larry (Lupe) of Lansing; Alejandro Jr. of Glendale, CA.; Nap (Scherri) of Stevensville; Marilou (Kevin) Miller of Stevensville; Marites (Steven) Barker of Benton Harbor; Angelito of St. Joseph; Amy (Jeff) Keyer of Henderson, NV; Remie (Debbie) of Stevensville; Jacquelyn of Denver, CO; 21 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.