Daniel David Ramos

Daniel was born on November 6, 1947, in San Antonio, Texas to Pedro Ramos and Juanita Espinosa. He was raised by his grandmother, Louisa Alvarado Ramos, and numerous Aunts and Uncles who played a significant part in his upbringing. He grew up on the Southside of San Antonio along the banks of the San Antonio River where he spent as much time as he could fishing. Even as a child, Daniel had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He was raised to be warm, caring, and friendly. He couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. A natural-born athlete, he excelled in baseball and basketball. His trophies from his accomplishments are still on display at his childhood parish church.

He was the eldest of nine children. His eight younger siblings included six brothers: Raul, Johnny, Ruben, Pete, Rodney, Eddie, and two sisters, Mary and Joann. He loved his siblings very much and enjoyed reminiscing about their adventures and misadventures.

Daniel possessed a larger-than-life personality with an easy going temperament. Usually the life of the party, he would have everybody laughing. To be teased by Daniel was to be loved by him. He graduated from Brackenridge High School in 1966. He was a stellar varsity athlete who had the privilege of earning a state basketball championship.

Before Daniel could be drafted, his Uncle Charles ensured he would follow in his footsteps and had him enlist in the U.S. Navy. During his time in military service, Daniel traveled the world from Asia to Europe. His last official installation was Sigonella, Sicily. He served in the U.S. Navy as a Commisaryman from 1966-1970. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. He was a 100% disabled combat veteran as a result of his service in the Vietnam War. As a result of his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Daniel also earned two Associates Degrees in Business and Postal Management utilizing his GI Bill. It was while Daniel was earning his first degree that he met his wife of 47 years, Grace Sarate. Grace worked in the Veterans office at the college, and Daniel loved sharing the story of how they met with his daughters.

At work, as in life, Daniel was a real “people person.” He began his postal career as a letter carrier and worked his way up to management. He loved his job and made lifelong friends there. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 36 years as a manager of customer service and delivery. Daniel never actually encountered a stranger in his dealings with people. He was drawn to individuals and crowds, using his gregarious, adaptable, and outgoing personality to captivate his audience. Whether it was a story, a joke, or just plain fooling around, Daniel was always right at home putting on a show among his friends. Daniel utilized his interest in others as a great way to connect with them. He became friends with a group of men from the post office which included Tony Lopez, Joe Ruiz, Robert Pachecano, and Rudy Servantez just to name a few. They affectionately referred to themselves as the FBI (Fat Boys Incorporated) and spent as much time as possible fishing at the coast.

Perhaps the reason Daniel related so well to children was the fact that he never really completely grew up himself. The ability to be just a “kid at heart” helped him in raising his own children. Daniel was blessed with four daughters, and their husbands whom he loved as his own sons. He and his wife were also blessed with ten grandchildren, Christian, Daniel, Abraham, Matthew, Gabriel, Nicholas, Sophia, Aiden, Santino, Isabella, and one great-granddaughter, Valeria Bianca. He was a loving and affectionate father and grandfather, who would often say his girls could do no wrong. Daniel loved all his family, and his nieces and nephews held a special place in his heart. He was always willing to help whenever he could. He was the type of man that gave selflessly and never expected anything in return.

Daniel was a lover of animals and cherished his pets, enjoying them almost as much as he enjoyed being around other people. Daniel loved all animals and could be found rescuing cats and dogs whenever possible. He loved his cat Sunshine and his dog Snoopy, who was no doubt waiting for him when he arrived at the gates of heaven.

Daniel’s grandmother planted the seed of faith in him at a young age. He was a member of St Leo Catholic Church from childhood through adulthood as well as Restoration Christian Fellowship in his adult life. During that time, he was a baseball and basketball coach for the Catholic Youth Organization and coached the men's softball team at Restoration Christian Fellowship. Daniel had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and his family takes comfort in the fact that they will be reunited with Daniel in eternity.

After his retirement in 2000, he spent as much time as possible fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Grace Sarate-Ramos, and his daughters, Linda (Daniel) Sauceda, Valerie (Eustacio) Vargas, Danielle (Jonathan) Smith, and Melissa Poff-Ramos, as well as his grandchildren, great-granddaughter, his eight siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Louisa Alvarado Ramos, and his mother and father, Pedro and Juanita Ramos. He will forever live in our hearts and be remembered with a smile.

A visitation for Daniel will be held Wednesday, October 26, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Colonial Funeral Home, 625 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City, TX 78148. A rosary will occur Wednesday, October 26, 2022, from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM, at 625 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City, TX 78148. A mass will occur Thursday, October 27, 2022, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at St. Monica's Catholic Church, 501 North St., Converse, TX 78109. A committal service with military honors will occur Thursday, October 27, 2022, from 1:15 PM to 1:45 PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colonialuniversal.com for the Ramos family.