Julio Ramos

Julio Ramos was born on August 12, 1949 in Manhattan, New York. He was the middle child of three, proudly raised by a single mother, Bernarda Ramos Santiago. Julio grew up with his siblings, Angel & Maria in New York’s Spanish Harlem. Up on the 5th floor of Building 78 on 112th & Park Avenue is where Julio and his siblings went through the school of hard knocks. They grew up poor, but were rich with love. Their mother was strict with her kids, but always provided what they needed. Rice and beans were a staple in this small apartment, but it sufficed them just fine. As a child, Julio was well behaved and quiet, but he loved to play with his siblings, cousins and neighborhood friends. Julio grew up in an era where there wasn’t all these high tech games to play. Back then, they had to use their imaginations and whatever they could find to keep themselves entertained. Julio enjoyed playing hide and seek, and other games that they created out of bottle tops. Julio was also a bit of a prankster, as he would set booby traps for his sister or jump out and scare you when you came around the corner. That was Julio.

Julio graduated from Commerce High School on the West Side in New York, Class of ’68. He and his sister decided to move in together after high school…let’s just say, neither one could wait until the lease was up. Julio was very meticulous about things, everything had its place. Though they butted heads often, they grew up very close to one another and created a bond like no other. He went on to work at Banker’s Trust in New York for 15 years.

Julio was proud of his Puerto Rican heritage. He and his family enjoyed going to the Puerto Rican parades, Old Timer’s Day, and La Fiesta de la Ciento Diez y Seis in New York. He enjoyed Puerto Rican food as well, and was a good cook himself. Julio was pretty much a home body. His favorite place to be was on the recliner, with the remote in hand catching reality t.v. shows. Big Brother, American Idol, Hell’s Kitchen or any of the Housewives of... shows were some of his favorites. If he went to someone else’s home, and they had a recliner, you’d find Julio sitting in it. He also enjoyed going to concerts and events with his sister and partner, when they invited him. Being a Latin man, Julio loved Latin music. He can’t help it, the “ritmo” is in his blood. He also enjoyed Jazz and Kitaro too.

Julio had a green thumb and could make anything grow. Every place he lived he would have plants everywhere! Even up until his passing, he would ask for water…not for himself, but to water the plants in his hospital room.

In order to provide for his growing family, Julio worked as an accountant for the Waste Management Department at the City of Garland. He made a lot of friends there, as he was always so kind to others. He was the kind of guy who would open his home to others. He happily opened his home to his step-daughter and her family of 7, without a second thought. When his nephew, Jonathan was born, it was as if Jonathan hung the moon. He had a special bond with his nephew and cared for him as if he were his own. Ever since Jonathan was born, Julio looked after him when he’d come to visit; feeding him, changing him, playing with him. Julio was very proud of the young man Jonathan has grown up to be, and proud to be his uncle.

Julio was always silently observing the needs of others, and would help if he could. “Quietly loving”, he is described. Julio was caring, loving and supportive, and generous. But don’t mistake his gentleness for weakness, he was also stubborn and he had that NewYorican attitude! It wasn’t often, but if you pushed him enough, you’d see it. His upbringing instilled a strong character in him. He was never embarrassed about being gay and was openly proud of his partner. Julio met James Painter when working at Banker’s Trust in New York. James was a client at the time, and they got to know each other through this working relationship. As time went on, a fondness for one another grew, and they began dating. They enjoyed meeting in Madison Square Park during lunch breaks, or after work. They dated one another for a year before deciding to live together. They’ve been together ever since! James was the first person Julio brought home to meet “la familia”. They openly accepted James and he became part of the family. James says “J”, as only he called him, was the most loyal, genuine, friend, partner and one true love up to the very end. He will miss him tremendously.

Julio kept to himself often. Even with his illness, he didn’t want to burden others, so he kept this quiet too. On Tuesday, September 9, 2014, Julio Ramos was called Home to meet his Maker. He was greeted in Heaven by his mother, Bernarda Santiago; his step-father Felix Santiago; his uncle Alfonso Ramos; aunt Maria Ramos; very close family friend, Marina Diaz; and his favorite dog “Negra”.

His life will continue to be remembered and celebrated by his siblings: Angel Nelson and his wife Donna of Virginia; Maria Muriel & her husband Angel of Mesquite; his life-long companion and the love of his life of 33 years, James Painter of Mesquite; daughter Luisa Peña and her husband Rafael of Mesquite; nephew and Godson, Jonathan Muriel of Mesquite; nephew Angel Nelson, Jr. of New York; grandchildren: William, Iskarlin, Carlos, Perla, Waldy, Ayianna, Alexis & Baby Boy Peña on the way; Co-workers of City of Garland: Suzanna, Chichi, Josie & Mariela; and many, many more nieces, nephews, relatives and close friends.