It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rafael (Ralph) Herrera-Ramirez,
who passed on March 11, 2023 at the age of 73. He was born on October 18th, 1949 in San
Bernardino, CA to Sabina and Salvador Ramirez.
Ralph’s roots are in Mexico - his parents migrated all the way from Zacatecas, Mexico in
1928 and settled on a ranch in Fontana, CA. They eventually bought a home in Colton, CA
where their family blossomed. Ralph (Rafa) was the last born of 9 children, the baby of the
family. Growing up, he was always surrounded by his lifelong friends, his older sisters and
brothers.
Ralph attended Colton High School and was a natural born mathematician. He really
enjoyed and excelled in the subject. After graduating high school alongside the Class of
1968, at the age of 18, he served his country as a member of the Marine Corps. During the
Vietnam War, he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan as a part of platoon number 1027. After
two years of courageous service, he returned home as a veteran and began to focus on
growing his career. He started working at Stater Brothers as a warehouseman and
maintained a career of 37 years.
In 1973, at the age of 24, he became a father to his first born son, who took his first name,
Rafael. Just over a year later his second son, Gabriel, was born. He enjoyed spending time
with his sons by coaching their Colton Panthers soccer team. Ralph was full of life. He was
a big goofball and was cracking jokes most of the time. He loved to impress people with his
magic card tricks but was always willing to spill the secret to his granddaughters, nieces and
nephews. His favorite way to spend time was at karaoke nights singing oldies or at home
watching John Wayne movies.
Ralph was raised a catholic man and continuously practiced his faith throughout life, always
wearing his crucifix around his neck. Family was everything to Rafa and he cherished the
moments the Ramirez family got to spend together. He was an amazing son, brother, dad,
uncle, and grandfather. He is survived by his sons Ralph Ramirez and Gabriel Ramirez. His
granddaughters Gabrielle Ramirez and Anissa Ramirez. His loving sisters Jovita, Amelia,
Francis and brothers Lorenzo, Joe, and Ruben. His dog Oliver and his many nieces,
nephews, and countless friends. We will cherish the memories we have with Ralph and he
will live within us every day.
Open visitation will be from 9am to 11am, Tuesday March 21st, at Emmerson Bartlett
Memorial Chapel. Services will begin at 11am and a Celebration of Life will follow.
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
9:00 - 11:00 am (Pacific time)
Emmerson-Bartlett Memorial Chapel - Redlands
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Starts at 11:00 am (Pacific time)
Emmerson-Bartlett Memorial Chapel - Redlands
Friday, April 21, 2023
Starts at 10:45 am (Pacific time)
Riverside National Cemetery
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