Agustin Ramirez Tesillo

Agustin Ramirez Tesillo (known by friends and family as “Augie” and “Coty”), passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children, on January 30, 2015, in Fullerton, California. Agustin endured a year long battle with cancer while being attended to by staff members at the Gordon Lane Care Center and St Jude Hospital, both in Fullerton, California. Agustin was 67 years old.

Agustin was born in the town of Zumpango near Mexico City, Mexico on May 28, 1947, to Pedro Tesillo and Beatriz Ramirez.

During his teenage years in Mexico, Agustin learned how to weld and after mastering his craft in different parts of Mexico he eventually decided to move to the United States not knowing even a word of English. Agustin soon made Los Angeles, California his permanent residence and there he met his wife of 26 years, Diana Morales.

Agustin was a hard-working man who loved building things with his hands and enjoyed welding well into retirement. He was a loving father and even though he was thought to be very strict in his parenting style he always made sure to have fun. Agustin loved to listen to music and play his guiro and tambourine and he especially loved putting on a show with his dancing. His dancing style could be described as a little bit of James Brown with a touch of Michael Jackson, he was smooth and it showed. He was also a lover of food and enjoyed cooking for friends and family or anybody who would be willing to try it for that matter, but boy you better not ask what it was. He would tell you “no mas pruebalo” and then after he knew you swallowed it he would tell you it was cow tongue. His neighbors couldn't’t get enough of his salsas and spicy dishes even though Agustin loved tricking them into thinking the salsas were mild. He always had a great sense of humor and it shined through even during his battle with cancer. Through all that Agustin endured he always made sure to crack a joke or two to lighten up the mood. He never allowed his health condition to bring him down and lived life to fullest even until the very end. He will be deeply missed, but whenever one of his favorite songs comes on we will always remember him singing and dancing with that one of a kind smile.

Agustin was preceded in death by his father Pedro Tesillo, mother Beatriz Ramirez, sister Remedios Landero, brother Pete Tesillo, and son Joshua Tesillo.

Agustin is survived by his children Laura Tesillo, Simon Tesillo, Matthew Tesillo, David Tesillo, Marisela Tesillo, Diana Tesillo, and Agustin Tesillo; 10 grandchildren; a sister Linda Tesillo; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Special thanks to all who visited him and lifted his spirits during this difficult year and to the caring nurses and staff members at Gordon Lane Care Center, and Dr. Kim, Dr. O, Dr. Hardeman, and the nurses, staff members and the Palliative Care Team at St. Jude Hospital.