Chris Ramos Obituary

South San Francisco, CA   July 15, 2021 by Garden Chapel Funeral Directors

Chris Ramos of South San Francisco, CA passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, July 10th, 2021. He would have celebrated his 102nd birthday this Christmas. Chris was born in San Francisco to Emilio & Mary Ramos of Puerto Rico on December 25th, 1919. He had 10 brothers and sisters and attended Balboa High School where he played basketball, ran track and was on the swim team. Chris met Delia Garbarino at the Rolling Skating Rink in 1938. He enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II and spent 3.5 years at sea as a signalman. Chris married Delia in January of 1945 at All Souls Catholic Church after being granted special leave from the Navy to do so. In September of 1945 at the close of WWII, he was honorably discharged and returned home. Chris and Delia settled in South San Francisco and had two daughters (Christine and Linda) who attended All Souls Catholic School. He was a devoted father and it was at this time that Chris and Delia became very involved in the All Souls Parish Community. Chris went to work for Smith Blair in 1951 and retired as a decorated salesman from Rockwell International in 1988.

Chris built his life and legacy in the resilient, supportive and loving community of South San Francisco. Serving his community was essential as it provided love, support and joyous connection throughout his life. Chris was very active at All Souls Church and played a huge role in the rebuilding efforts after a tragic fire in 1964. He took great pride in his work helping to establish the All Souls Parish Council, in his beloved local community of South San Francisco, in local and state politics, his golfing adventures and outings with the South City Duffers, and thoroughly enjoyed his time and service as a Charter Member of YMI Council#32 and the SSF Historical Society to name a few. He imparted the importance of community and service to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren throughout his life.

Chris loved his family near and far, never missed a celebration, was always there when you needed him and enjoyed hosting friends and family at their home where they loved to serve raviolis he and Delia made together. He took great pleasure in sports, watching golf and baseball, playing pedro, and talking to his grandchildren and great grandchildren about their accomplishments and plans for the future. To the end he was skilled at inspiring them with his own, reminding them of his .700+ batting average, growing up playing baseball as a youngster in San Francisco’s Bay View neighborhood with Joe DiMaggio and serving as bat boy for Lefty O’Doul. He was an avid golfer and a member of Green Hills Golf  and Country Club for 11 years. Chris was an ace on the links and won many tournaments over his impressive golfing career. He was fiercely competitive and wanted to be sure we thanked all of the golfers he won money from over his many years on the golf course! His family enjoyed many beautiful memories at the club over the years and will forever remember #A15 fondly.

Chris is survived by his devoted wife, Delia of 76 years – he loved her with all his heart and she was by his side caring for him until his last days; two beloved daughters Christine (Gerard) Prietto and Linda (Mike) Martinelli; seven grandchildren he was so proud of: Josh, Anna, Kate, Sara, Krista, Tony and Michelle; and fifteen great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly and were a source of immense pride and joy over the years. He also leaves behind his youngest sister Juanita Gheno of Russian River along with countless nieces, nephews and extended family and friends with whom he always looked forward to sharing life’s moments.

Friends and family are invited to attend Chris’ funeral Mass, which will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 20th at **10:30am at All Souls Catholic Church. Due to the Pandemic, the family is limiting interment to immediate family. At Chris’ request, all precautions are being taken to keep his wife, Delia safe. Please call Garden Chapel if more information is needed (650) 583-2510

Special Thanks to YMI Council #32, The VA Hospital, Anna Strueller, the caring staff at Atria in Daly City, and Bay Area Hospice.

Chris was a role model to so many and loved celebrating life and all it’s occasions. Please raise a glass in his honor as we say one final Salute to a true South San Francisco Legend.

###

** Edit: Please note, the Mass schedule has been changed from 10am to 10:30am