José Ignacio Ramírez

It is with deep sorrow, but with faith in the Resurrection, that we announce the death of José Ignacio Ramírez of Andover and Naples, FL on February 28, 2026. José died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Cherished husband of 57 years to Judith Ramírez (Foster), beloved father to José Ignacio Ramírez, Jr. and Jason Foster Ramírez and his wife Jennifer Palacio. Brother to Maria Elvira (d.), Maria Elena and José Antonio (d.) Primo-hermano to José Floren Lorbes and Lilia Marie Lorbes-Day. Loving uncle, cousin and treasured friend to many.

José was born on August 23, 1945, in Havana, Cuba to José A Ramírez Martinez and Elvira Felicia Lorbes Tellechea. He often spoke with fondness about his 15 years of childhood in Aguacate. He came to the United States from Cuba in 1961 as part of what is now known as Operation Pedro Pan. He attended Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville, FL, graduating in 1963. He then lived for a time in Grand Island, Nebraska, before settling in Cambridge.

José and Judy met in 1965 and married on August 10, 1968, two years to the day of their first date. They welcomed their son José Jr (Joey) on August 18, 1970, and their second son Jason (Jay) on September 26th, 1979.

José became a naturalized citizen in 1972 and proudly served in the United States National Guard from 1970-1976.

He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Merrimack College in 1972 and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Behavior from Boston University’s Metropolitan College in 1995. He worked for Digital Equipment Corporation for 25 years and retired from UMass Memorial Health Care in 2014.

José was an active member of every community he lived in and especially involved in youth sports (baseball, basketball, soccer) in Westford. An avid baseball lover, his two favorite teams were Los Leones de La Habana and the Boston Red Sox. He was a jazz lover, enjoyed a cigar with a good scotch, and honest conversations with loved ones.

José was a dedicated researcher, translator and writer, publishing works on topics reflecting the diversity of his interests, including academic works in his field, biographies for SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) and various stories of Cuba. He authored two books, Cuba and the “Last” Baseball Season and Defining Moments: A Cuban Exile's Story about Discovery and the Search for a Better Future.

José was well-traveled, visiting many locations in Europe, Asia and North America and had a strong love of history and culture. He was particularly drawn to locations that spoke to his familial lineage including the Canary Islands and 10 separate visits to his birthplace in Cuba.

His family will miss him immeasurably. The memory of his life well-lived will continue on with us.

Visiting Hours will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 9:30am to 12:30pm at the BLAKE CHELMSFORD FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen Street, CHELMSFORD followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:30pm at St Robert Bellarmine Parish, 198 Haggetts Pond Rd, ANDOVER. Interment will be held privately.

Memorial gifts and remembrances may be made in José’s memory to D’Youville Life & Wellness Community in Lowell www.dyouville.org/dyouville-foundation/donate/.