Emilio Romualdo Ramos Ortiz

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Emilio Romualdo Ramos Ortiz

February 5, 1929 ~ November 6, 2020

Emilio Romualdo Ramos Ortiz passed away in the comfort of his home on November 6, 2020.

Emilio was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico on February 5, 1929 to Emilio and Susana Ramos Ortiz. In 1951, he joined the United States Army and served his nation with honor during the Korean War. He came to Utah to work at Kennecott Copper Mine, where he worked for 38 years.

Emilio had a civic heart and always believed in helping those who were in need. He loved the law and dedicated himself to helping those who couldn’t help themselves. In his spare time, he helped others get legal representation, translated legal documents and attended court regularly for them. When he wasn’t helping others with the law, he was watching Perry Mason and having a beer; a show he enjoyed until his death. He fought for workers’ rights as a proud union man and was a lifelong member of the Democratic Party. A favorite tradition of his was taking his children to register to vote as soon as they turned 18.

Emilio was a devout Catholic and a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish for over 60 years.

Above all, Emilio was a family man. He loved his family dearly and took the role of being a provider to heart and it showed in all his actions. He worked three jobs at a time to provide for his family and to give his children the opportunities he never received.

He is survived by his better half and wife of 66 years, Delores “Cookie;” his six children Juanita Ramos Lenis (Jesus), Rose Padilla Garcia, Emilio Ramos Orta (Blanca), John “Pepper” Ramos (Valerie), Susanne Ramos-Jensen (LaMar), Patricia Ramos-Yarber (David); and his brother Rafael Santiago. He leaves behind a legacy of 17 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 16 great-great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; and he was a father figure to many others. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his sisters Bienbenida Santos and Eugenia Vasquez, his brother Juanito Ramos and his grandson Emilio “Junior” Ramos.

His funeral Mass was celebrated at his beloved Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. He was laid to rest in Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.