John Anthony Ramirez

John Anthony Ramirez December 31, 1971 – November 10, 2024

John Anthony Ramirez, 52, passed away at his home on November 10, 2024, following a long battle to recuperate from several strokes and numerous other health challenges that have plagued him over the years.Born Juan Antonio Gonzalez in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico, John lost his right leg at the age of 7,heroically rescuing two nephews from an oncoming train. Undaunted by the setback, he came to the United States with friends of his family and put himself through school while taking on a job in a grocery store to support himself. When he was about to become homeless while attending Charter Oak High School in Covina, CA, he was taken in by Clifford A. Ramirez, a higher education administrator, who adopted him and changed his name.John went on to graduate from San Antonio College in Walnut, CA, and became a certified medical assistant and phlebotomist, working at County/USC Hospital, Garfield Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, and St. Francis Medical Center. He also volunteered to work at blood drives for UCLA and the American Red Cross. Perpetually youthful in spirit, John loved cooking, traveling, music, and rescuing dogs. After his adoption, he reconnected with family members in Mexico and brought his mother to California for medical treatment while working at County/USC Hospital. John’s quick wit, caring attitude, and creative problem solving will be sorely missed. When confronted with any perplexing issue, he would pause and say, “You got to get an idea!” He often did!John is survived by his foster father and a few remaining members of his blood family, including a sister Martha. John will be interred in his mother’s crypt at the historic Antigua Panteon Xalapeno in Xalapa, alongside other brothers and sisters.