Joseph A. Ramirez

Joseph was born October 18, 1935, in Springfield, the son of Abraham and Ignacia “Nancy” Hernandez Ramirez.

Joseph attended Ridgely School and then St. James Trade School, where he played football. Ramirez has been a north end youth sports legend for more than 40 years He played baseball in the city-sponsored Senior League from 1953-60 and remained active in Park District-sponsored slow-pitch softball leagues.

He coached the Ridgely Ratz basketball and flag football teams for 10 years, was an assistant basketball and baseball coach at St. James, coached basketball at St. Aloysius, coached basketball and flag football at McClernand School, coached flag football at St. Joseph's School, was Khoury League and Springfield Flag Football League president, and was an umpire in the Springfield Recreation Department's men's slow-pitch softball and T-ball baseball leagues. He also coached in the Junior Football League for the Northeast Cowboys, the Boys and Girls Clubs Football League and various men's and women's softball teams. In addition, he sponsored numerous teams through Abe's Barber Shop. Joseph was inducted into the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. He was the third member of his family to be inducted.

Joseph was employed at various organizations over the years including Eisner, Jewel, First National Bank, B & Z Bakery, Mel-O-Cream, Memorial Medical Center, and Springfield District 186. He was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rosalie Ramirez; brothers, Phil, Manuel, Ray, Frank, and Louie Ramirez; and infant brother, Robert Ramirez.

Joseph is survived by his brother, Abraham (wife, Bonnie) Ramirez of Springfield and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Private family ceremonies will be held.

Memorial contributions may be made to Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois, 300 S. 15th St., Springfield, IL 62703 or a Youth Sports Program of the donor’s choice.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home—Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.