In Our Care
Joseph A. Ramos
3/14/1976 - 12/5/2024
Obituary For Joseph A. Ramos
Joseph A. Ramos, 48, of Tiverton, RI passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 5, 2024. A son of Maria (Carreiro) and the late Joseph M. Ramos, Joseph grew up in Bristol. He was a 1994 graduate of Mt. Hope High School and a 1998 graduate of Rhode Island College. He earned a Master’s Degree in Technology Education from Ball State University.
Joseph was a beloved teacher of Engineering Design at Somerset Berkley Regional High School for 25 years. Joseph brought out the creativity and self-confidence in all of his students. His jokes were original, quirky and memorable, and he had extraordinarily creative ideas. Joseph was credited for his hands-on, out-of-the-box teaching approach with his most famous sayings being, “Find the engineer within you!” and “Close the books and open your minds!” Mr. Ramos taught his students that education wasn’t about the memorization of facts, but rather the development of higher order thinking. Joseph taught in a language kids could understand, often giving them the “greenlight.” As a national pioneer in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), Joseph created the US Super STEM Competition -- a national competition in which students submit STEM projects for judging and scholarships, while also fostering creativity.
Joseph was always active in his community, teaching summer STEM programs at SBRHS. He taught fun courses such as Lego Design and Technology Education, and had many bridge building competitions. Joseph was a previous member of the Touisset Point Community Club in Warren RI, serving as Recreation Chair for several years. Using his imagination, willpower, and a tractor, he created Butterfly Ice Skating Pond for the residents of Touisset.
Outside of the classroom, Joseph was an accomplished tennis player. He was the top ranked singles player on his high school team, and also at the collegiate level playing for Rhode Island College. In 2016 he was inducted into the Bristol Athletic Hall of Fame, and was a regular competitor of the Bristol 4th of July Tennis Tournament. In addition, he was a tennis instructor in many communities. He demonstrated humble sportsmanship and played with grace on the court.
Joseph was the most supportive father, never missing an event, and always encouraging his children to follow their ambitions. The seeds of his character were sown into Jordan and Joseph II, as he helped raise them into young adults. As a brother, he was generous, upbeat and always very entertaining at large family gatherings, bringing fascinating STEM experiments to share.
In addition to his mother, Maria Ramos, Joseph is survived by his former first wife and the mother of their children, Jenna Fales; his daughter, Jordan Ramos and son, Joseph A. Ramos II both of Bristol; his former second wife, Brooke Perry and her son Brennan; his brothers Paul Ramos (Kristen) and Mark Ramos (Nadine); his sisters, Linda Ramos, Marie Coccio (David), Laurie Heyden, Deborah Ash (Jeffrey), Jennifer Galluzzi (David), Julie Horn (Austin) and Diane Ramos. He was the brother of the late Karen Ramos. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.
Services are with Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Rd. Warren, RI, where the family will receive relatives and guests for Visitation on Tuesday, December 10 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 9AM in St. Elizabeth’s Church, 577 Wood St. Bristol, RI. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Chestnut St. Bristol, RI. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SBRHS in care of Joseph Ramos Memorial fund.
For directions or tributes, please visit: www.wjsmithfh.com.
Condolences
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12/22/2024
Jess
Mr.Ramos was an incredible teacher and person. He cared about his students and was obviously very passionate about teaching. He really had a way of making learning fun. His class was one of few that I looked forward to and I really am fortunate to have been a part of it. My deepest condolences to his family and friends, I hope you find comfort in knowing that he was loved by many.
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12/13/2024
Dr. A. Keith Carreiro
When I first met Joe this past July 4th at his family reunion, I was immediately struck with his brilliance about, and his passion for, teaching. Mr. Ramos had an extraordinary gift for connecting with his students, speaking to them in a way that sparked their curiosity and built their confidence. I could immediately sense his deep understanding and knowledge about young people, his commitment to their welfare, and his passion for providing them with a transformational educational experience. He had a rare gift of insight into the human condition and for inspiring students to reach within themselves to bring out the best that their minds and spirits could achieve. His innovative teaching style, characterized by hands–on activities and an outside–the–box approach, transformed his classroom into a vibrant hub of creativity and discovery. He also had an unerring ability in helping young people fulfill their hopes and aspirations for themselves. After all, the intention of public education in this commonwealth, according to John Adams, who wrote the Massachusetts State Constitution in 1779 was "for the promotion of agriculture, arts, sciences, commerce, trades, manufactures, and a natural history of the country; to countenance and inculcate the principles of humanity and general benevolence, public and private charity, industry and frugality, honesty and punctuality in their dealings; sincerity, good humor, and all social affections, and generous sentiments, among the people." Joe's work was aligned with John Adam's vision, especially through Joe's belief that education nurtures the strength of character of our students and faculty alike. His contributions to society through innovative STEM–like fields fulfilled Adams' goal that wisdom, knowledge, and virtue be shared with our young people for the preservation of liberty, justice, and peace. Joe's potential as a future teacher and educational practitioner were seemingly limitless. I wish that he could have gone for his doctorate. He would have thrived in the doctoral program in education that I attended at Harvard University. If he had pursued such an educational goal, I have the utmost confidence he would have done groundbreaking research, contributing much needed innovative student engagement strategies to the field of education. We have lost an extremely talented and gifted educator whose legacy transcends local, regional, and national levels. Dr. A. Keith Carreiro
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12/13/2024
Laurie Heyden
Joey was my deeply cherished little brother, and one of my few very favorite people in the whole world. The people who have met Joe typically describe him as a sweet and gentle soul. He had a charming and innocent enthusiasm, looking at the world in terms of possibilities, and not letting those possibilities be diminished by people's judgement, fear, excuses or reasons something wouldn't work. He was also a man of faith. He believed in God and valued people's prayers for him, especially lately. As a truly gentle soul, I would argue that he exemplified in his life what the Bible calls the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, patience, gentleness, peace, kindness, goodness, and self-control. As my mother taught me, God is love and love is God. Joe was love. Known for his big heart and gentle spirit, he exemplified love and generosity of service to others. The Joe we knew was very chill, never stressing. You will see him making the peace sign in a lot of his photos. He was very accommodating of others and not one to worry. He was so solidly and deeply good, speaking only kindly of others ever. He personified so many of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. God was so pleased with Joe. What more could a person achieve than to exemplify in deed and action the fruits of the spirit? I believe that God gives each of us unique gifts and what we do with them is our gifts back to the universe. Joe lived fully the special purpose God had for him. In life we each have a why. Your WHY is the drive or motivation behind WHAT you do and HOW you do it. In my own words, Joe's why was to inspire his students, through his creative projects, to discover and embrace the engineer within themselves. I would say that his legacy includes his inspiring quote, "Find the engineer within you." Engineers solve problems through creative solutions. Joe believed there is an engineer in each of us. Believe in yourself and your dreams. I found my favorite Bible quote on a bookmark on Joe's desk. Put this Bible quote in your personal coping skills toolkit. Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Love always, Big sister, Laurie Heyden
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12/12/2024
Leah Curley (Briana Lambert, now)
I went to high school and attended a lot of youth group events with Debbie and Laurie. I remember Joey as one of the Ramos clan. While I'm so glad to see he inspired so many, I'm so very sorry for his loss. Condolences to his family, colleagues, students, friends.
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12/11/2024
Judiana
During freshman year I visited mr Ramos every single day of the year we first met on oct 31st,2023 when he put on a mask to get into the Halloween spirt I got scared but I know he was just joking around . After that I kept going to visit him and his classroom and talking to him about things he taught how to take W's in life because once again L's are For losers. He never was sad he was always quirky positive kind and had these jokes I'll miss this jokes and everything about him he was like my favorite teacher even though I never had him he will Always be in my heart and this brings me so much pain because everytime I walk by his door it's not open and I can't see him anymore but i promised him I'll never take any L's in life only w's . Thank you for teaching how to be confident and for everything Mr Ramos -Love Judi
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12/11/2024
Abbey Kinnane
Mr.Ramos was a special man. I had him as a teacher my junior year of high school and being one of the only girls in the class I figured it was going to be rough. I quickly realized this was one of the most valuable classes I would take throughout school. Mr.Ramos was kind, smart, and unique. He taught me the importance of creativity and confidence. I am so saddened to hear about his passing and give my condolences to the Ramos family in this tough time.
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12/10/2024
Eric Pinho
My deepest condolences to Joseph, his family and friends and for the students he positively influenced. Joe was a friend of mine since high school where we played high school tennis at Mt Hope and also in college at RIC together. I can remember bus trips when we would play away matches and Joe was always part of the antics. He will be sorely missed. Respectfully Eric E. Pinho
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12/10/2024
CK Goweh
Mr. Ramos was truly someone special. A safe space for many, and a driving force in empowering his students to have an open mind, he certainly embodied all an educator should be. I will always cherish the memories made in his class. My deepest condolences to his family and all who loved him.
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12/09/2024
Audrey Lariviere
My prayers and sympathy are with you all at this extremely difficult time.
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12/09/2024
Aidan F. Melanson
Deepest condolences to you all, I've become well acquainted with his son Joseph Ramos II here at URI along with when he was on the crew team with me. I can tell he is a good man through the obituary but as well as the man his son has become. May the Lord be with you all and my thoughts and prayers are with the Ramos family. - Aidan F. Melanson
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12/09/2024
Mary Beth Lescault
Such a beautiful tribute to a kind and gentle soul. May he be at rest and at peace. He left a beautiful legacy in his children and those he taught and mentored. Mary Beth Lescault
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12/08/2024
mirna colbert
Our sincere condolences. The Colbert family
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12/08/2024
Tim Rosario
My deepest sympathy are with the Ramos family!!!
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12/08/2024
K. P. Sousa
I am so very sorry for your loss. The memories of Joseph will live with you forever. Condolences- Kellyann P. Sousa
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12/08/2024
Delanie Smith
"If we put a man on the moon in 1969...." Mr. Ramos was truly a great man, he was a wonderful teacher and always made his class fun for everyone. Sending my sempathy and deepest condolences to his family, friends, and to the SBRHS community. Fly high MG
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12/08/2024
Kate E
Very sad to hear that Mr. Ramos is no longer with us - I took his class freshman year in the old SBRHS building and I remember how passionate he was about getting students to use their hands and minds to build something new. I hope his family is okay and that they're finding comfort in memories of him.
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12/08/2024
Amy Sousa
I am deeply sorry to hear of Joey's passing. I have been a family friend for decades. He made such an impact. May the Lord comfort you all and may the memories live in your heart forever!
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