Chris Catarino Ramirez's Obituary
Chris Catarino Ramirez, lovingly known as Tata Chris, entered eternal life on February 8, 2026, at the age of 83.
He was born on July 24, 1942, in Poncitlán, Jalisco, Mexico. From humble beginnings, his life journey eventually led him to San Diego, California, where he built a home, a family, and a legacy that will live on for generations.
Chris was a hardworking man who devoted his life to providing for his family and caring faithfully for his parents’ day in and day out. He graduated from high school in Tijuana, Mexico, and later answered the call to serve his country with honor in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After completing his military service, he built a life through the honest trade of plastering, a profession that reflected the kind of man he was: steady, patient, and proud of the work he did with his hands.
He married the love of his life, Norma Alicia Ramirez, and together they built their home in Spring Valley, California, where they raised six children. Chris was a man known for his quiet strength and joyful spirit. He was happy by nature and never one to complain. Instead, he lived with gratitude, generosity, and a deep sense of responsibility to those he loved.
He believed deeply in family and in the importance of raising children who would walk through life with integrity. To Chris, reputation meant everything. He taught his children to be honest, respectful, hardworking, and kind values he lived by every single day. He was their role model, their protector, and their biggest supporter. Though he did not always say the words out loud, his pride in his children and grandchildren was felt in everything he did.
Chris is survived by his devoted wife, Norma Alicia Ramirez, and his children: Norma Ramirez, Chris Ramirez, Luis Ramirez, Agustin Ramirez, Alejandro Ramirez, and Katrina Ramirez Campbell.
He was a proud grandfather to Martin Ramirez, Chris Catrino Ramirez Daniels, Isabel Alicia Ramirez, Andrew Joseph Campbell, Alejandro Agustin Ramirez, Khloe Ramirez, Alicia Victoria Ramirez, Henry Paul Campbell, Beau Ramirez, Alexia Norma Ramirez, Lucy Francis Campbell, and Penelope Alicia Campbell.
He was also blessed with three great-grandchildren: Liliana Vianey Ramirez, Martin Aiden Ramirez, and Leon Lucky Daniels.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ignacio Ramirez and Paula Ramirez, and his brother, Juan Ramirez.
Chris leaves behind a legacy of integrity, sacrifice, strength, and unconditional love, a life well lived and a family forever shaped by his example.
As Scripture reminds us:
“The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.” — Proverbs 20:7
Services
Viewing - Thursday, March 12, 2026, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Greenwood Memorial Park 4300 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113
Funeral Mass, Friday, March 13, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM, St. John of the Cross, 8086 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Memorial Gathering, Following Mass at 1:15 PM, Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr San Diego, CA 92122
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