Ronald (Ron) A. Ramirez passed away peacefully with his wife by his side in his home in Ferdinand, Indiana on November 22, 2023 at the age of 63 after a long battle with cancer. He was born on April 16, 1960 to Mary (Alvey) and David Ramirez in Kansas City, Missouri.
Ron is survived by his loving wife Debbie (Recker) Ramirez. Ron has two daughters: Kandi (Jason) Tyson and Angela Ramirez and three grandchildren: Lucy Tyson, Mason Kirby, and Hunter Kirby. Ron also has a stepdaughter: Erica (Lucas) Simpson Homburg. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Ron obtained an associate degree in information technology. He worked as an IT specialist for many years until his recent retirement.
When Ron asked Debbie to marry him, the proposal came with a special clause: If you say yes to adding me in your life, you are also saying yes to my radio collection! Together they created a cozy mid-century home filled with Ron’s collection of antique radios, furniture, and décor of the 1950s and 1960s. Ron was known as “Mr. Philco” all over the country because of his thorough knowledge of Philco radios. He published two books about them and was well known and respected by other radio collectors around the world. He started the Philco Radio website (www.philcoradio.com), official Facebook group titled “Philco Radio Enthusiasts,” and he maintained a blog called “Ron’s Radios.”
Ron was a quiet man with a witty sense of humor. He looked forward to springtime and seeing the daffodils blooming. His loyal cat, Viktor, was always by his side. Ron will be missed, but he leaves behind a legacy.
A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dubois County Humane Society (www.duboiscountyhumane.org).
TAMMY WILLIAMS says
What can I say about this man? Nothing but good things. I will always refer to him as my uncle Ron as he was once married to my aunt. My love for music is because of him. My very first radio commercial was with him. RIP Uncle Ron, no more pain, you’re finally CANCER FREE. I know you’re watching over Kandi and Angie and the kids.
Joseph W Koester says
Ron was a giant of a man within the Antique Radio Community. He was extremely knowledgeable and was always more than willing to share that knowledge and to help all of the other collectors. He always had a smile on his face when you met him and was a very pleasant and giving person. He has helped innumerable collectors overcome daunting technical issues. I don’t know who will ever fill the void of Philco knowledge. Ron will be missed by so many of us, but he leaves a lasting legacy, and will be remembered by so many of us. Rest in Peace old friend, you did good while you were with us.
Allan & Margaret Ferris says
Ron will be missed , but his memories will be carried on by all that new him. My wife & I noticed his faith in God these past few years & we believe God gave him some extra time to witness that faith to us all.
Jim McFaul says
Jill and I send our sincerest condolences to Debbie and Ron’s families.
Nancy Stewart says
Our love & prayers are with you Debbie.
Sam Gillette says
To the Ramirez Family:
In doing much research on having my Philco 16X repaired I came across this website written by this man. The more I read, the more I realized I had come across someone whom I could trust with my great grandfathers radio he purchased December 1935 upon his retirement from the NYC Railroad. Upon his passing in 1954, this radio was given to my mother and has been in our family ever since. During the 60’s I enjoyed listening to the shortwave stations I could listen to all over the world. As time went on and life takes ahold of things the radio ended up in a dry hot attic. I managed to rescue it and upon finding the chassis in need of repair, I didn’t want to have it sent just anywhere. Hence my being led to find Ron’s website and his desire to take care of and repair Philco radios.
I still enjoy it today and along with the radio I had printed all the material that Ron had available about the Philco radio corp. and the particular model I have. His work is impeccable and a lasting legacy to his workmanship. I am here today as I was going over all the information I had collected and wanted to thank him again for his preciseness and integrity in his work.
My sincere condolences to all of his family as I am to understand he was of a young age upon his passing. Work of his caliber and his knowledge of old school electronics is hard to come by. I am very thoughtful of this as my background is also fast becoming obsolete. Enough said…. That you again for reading my thoughts of this man and what he gave me to enjoy!!
Sincerely, Sam Gillette