Willard Albert Ramirez

Willard Albert Ramirez

Willard Albert Ramirez, 97 years old, died January 25, 2024 in the comfort of family at Belmont Village Senior Living in Thousand Oaks, California while in hospice for cancer and heart failure.

Willard was born April 21, 1926 in the town of Bryte, Yolo county, CA. He was the youngest of the four children of Jose and Laura (nee Constantino) Ramirez. He spent his early childhood with his mom, dad, and sister Mary on a ranch, and then moved to San Jose with his mom where he attended Bellarmine College Preparatory. Following graduation, Willard was inducted into the US Army in 1944. His state-side paratrooper training was interrupted to sail to Europe and fight in the Battle of the Bulge where he received the Purple Heart medal. After World War II demobilization, Willard attended San Jose State University, graduated, rejoined the Army, and met and married Lorraine (nee Pahl), his wife of over 70 years. 

Willard and Lorraine raised a family of three children as Willard served his country with a distinguished military career. He retired as a Lt. Colonel in the Army Corps of Engineers with over 20 years of service. Willard saw combat in WW II, Korea, and Viet Nam, with numerous commendations and medals, including the Bronze Star. While in the Army, he earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. Willard succeeded his Army retirement with a career at Honeywell leading to his relocation to Thousand Oaks, CA in 1977 where he retired in 1991 and lived until his death.  Willard was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Moorpark, CA. He will be remembered for his engaging attention, positive attitude, and eagerness to always be of help. 

Willard was preceded in death by his parents Jose and Laura (nee Constantino) Ramirez, son Michael, grandson Michael, sisters Mary and Viviana and brother Antonio Cimmarrusti. Willard is survived by his wife Lorraine, daughter Pamela (nee Ramirez) McGregor, son Douglas, grandchildren Aaron Ramirez, Heather Maxwell, Joey Ramirez, Daniel McGregor, and great grandchildren Max Ramirez and Trinity Ramirez.

In lieu of flowers, please make a tribute donation to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/cacentralcoast?set=1). Arrangements are being pursued for funeral service with military honors and burial at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA at a date and time to be determined. 

Special thanks to the staff at Belmont Village Senior Living and VITAS Healthcare for their affection and attention that so enriched Willard’s life and comforted the family.