Albert Ramos Munoz

Albert Ramos Muñoz passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, surrounded by his family at age 93. He was born in Santa Clara, California, to Senovio and Sarah Muñoz. He was the third oldest child of twelve children. He was raised on farms in Santa Clara County, where his father owned and sold vegetables to local markets and canneries. He remembered at the age of 13 or so driving the truck stacked with green beans 10 feet high to the cannery.

His commitment to service began in his junior year in high school, when he joined the National Guard. Upon graduating from Santa Clara High School in 1950 and joined the U.S. Army just as the Korean War was starting. His military career took him across the country, from basic training at Fort Ord in Monterey, California, to advanced infantry training and Jump School at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Fort Benning, Georgia. Earning his wings in 1951, as a member of the elite 11th Airborne Division, was a source of immense pride for him throughout his life. After three years of dedicated service, he was honorably discharged in 1953, taking a leisurely ten-day journey home to San Jose, taking the time to see many states as he hitched rides and enjoying some well-deserved fun along the way.

On the day after he got home, his best friend Art Guzman introduced him to Rose Hortenica when she was working at a restaurant in downtown San Jose, CA. During the restricted courtship to Rose, he knew that she was the one he wanted to marry, and she felt the same. After declaring that she was going to marry Albert to her mother she moved out with a family friend. Two weeks later, they were married, which was a matter of honor because she left her home for him. They were married in 1955 and had their first child a year later. They built a beautiful family over their 64 years and 7 months of marriage.

As his life was just beginning with Rose, he also started his career. Within a month of returning from the service, he began working as an apprentice laborer and joined the Cement Masons Union Local 400. Later in his career, he worked for a structural repair company. After mastering the trade, he became an estimator and salesperson. He retired from the Cement Masons Union after more than 50 years and held the title of president for six.

Together, they raised their children in San Jose, fostering a home filled with faith, love, and community engagement. Rose's unwavering faith in the Catholic church inspired Albert to embrace his beliefs. About five years into their marriage, he became a devoted Catholic and a dedicated member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. His commitment to his faith went beyond personal devotion; he dedicated two decades teaching catechism and guiding children in their spiritual journeys. He also served his church with distinction on the parish council and as a regular lecturer during weekly Masses.

Albert's profound commitment to faith and community intertwined, driving him to address social injustices within the East Side San Jose community. He founded the East-Side Downtown Organization Project (EDOP), a grassroots initiative that began at his kitchen table and later evolved into the influential People Acting in Community Together (PACT). This multi-faith organization continues to empower individuals to advocate for a more just society, providing leadership training and organizing diverse communities to address issues of racial and economic inequality. Albert's dedication to social change was further solidified by his participation in the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) organizing school, equipping him with the skills and knowledge to effectively mobilize community action. He actively fought against discriminatory housing practices, including redlining in the 1980s, and even met with the civil rights leader, Cesar Chavez, to strategize on community organizing efforts. Even after retiring from his long and successful career, Albert remained actively involved in civic life, serving on various San Jose task forces, such as the CDBG commission on housing.

He is survived by his children, Lilly and Brett Wakeman, Albert Muñoz Jr., Carlos and Laura Muñoz, Tina Tello and Peter Bonin, Marty Muñoz, Marcos Sr. and Tracy Muñoz, Samantha Muñoz and Timothy Gilbert, and Dee Dee Muñoz. His Grandchildren, Sonya Muñoz, Kyle Valent, Kyle Muñoz, Nicole Mclauran, Tim Leonard, Ashley Lenord, Wesley Wakeman, Chrissy Lanthier, Danica Tello, Marcos Muñoz Jr., Jessica Wakeman, Joshua Wakeman, Kiana Muñoz, Jordan Tello, Alexis Gilbert, Zachary Gilbert and Grant Gallegos, and Great-Grandchildren; Trinity Sanders, Eli Muñoz, Sarabi Lanthier, and Nikolai Lanthier, Arlo Racine, David, Kylie, Eleanora, Zelle, Verity, Uwe, Brenna, Laura, Luke, Lainey, Zoe, Ash, Lola, Jackson and one on the way.

He will be missed by all who knew him. He guided his children and many who became like children to him with his words of wisdom. He would say, “Set the example in the things you do in life, not just for you, but because that opens the door for the next person behind you”. He instilled in his children not to be followers and to become leaders, which he practiced in his work and community service. He had that funny “dad humor” and would often joke with his grandkids. He would tell stories of how he got his jade ring “in the jungles of the Yucatan”. He loved talking about history, politics, and sports, especially his 49ers and the Warriors. He was certainly not a shy man. He loved talking or giving speeches. After he retired, he spent most of his time with Rose and built great relationships with his grandchildren. He also loved to work in his yard and took pride in growing his bougainvillea vines and his lemon tree. As his sons will attest, he was very particular about not cutting them. His girls will miss arguing with him and his playful banter with comments like “do something with your hair”. Over the last 5 years, he had dedicated one-on-one time with his children, which was a gift, and they cherished their time with him. He loved music and dancing with Rose. They are now reunited and dancing in heaven.