HARPSWELL – Joseph Francis Ramos, 86 of Harpswell, died Wednesday, Feb. 25, at his residence.

He was born in Hyde Park, Mass., on June 25, 1922, a son of John Sousa and Julianna (Minnie) Kessler Ramos.

He graduated from Hyde Park High School, where he was track and field champion. He then attended and graduated from Northeastern University with a bachelor of science in education, he also received his MS Major in education, and his minor in secondary education administration and guidance.

From 1953 to 1955, he was affiliated with Barden Ball Bearing Co. in Danbury, Conn., as process engineer. He was then employed by Electronic Corp. of America in Cambridge, Mass., and from 1958 to 1961, he worked for Clevite Transistor Corp. in Waltham, Mass., as supervisor of drafting and standards, and from 1961 to 1967, he worked at Itek Corp. in Lexington, Mass.

In 1967, he became director of vocational education and was responsible for the development of the new Regional Vocational High School in the city of Lewiston, where he also was involved in a modular curriculum development program. This involved the writing of an individualized learning package together with the production of closed circuit TV to augment the teaching process, and assist in development of the facilities for teaching the vocational technical program. He was also an instructor in vocational drafting at Lewiston Vocational Technical High School.

He faithfully served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a member of the American Legion in Brunswick. He enjoyed sailing, golf, model boat building, reading, skiing and was an avid debater. He served as coach of varsity girls field hockey and swimming at Lewiston High School. He also enjoyed horseback riding.

He married Janet Humphreys on June 29, 1952, she died on Nov. 5, 2008. They lived in the area for 30 years, coming from Lewiston.

He is survived by a son, Jeffrey Phillip Ramos and his wife, Vickie, of Harpswell; his daughter, Juli Ann Ramos Ormsby, wife of the late Jon C. Ormsby of Danville, K.y.; a brother, Walter Ramos and his wifem Margaret, of Naples, Fla.; and seven grandchildren, Jessica Ormsby, Jeremy Flint, Brian Flint, Amanda Flint, Jenna Ramos, Jeffrey Ramos and Joshua Ormsby.

He was predeceased by three brothers, Amelai Ramos, Bartholomew Ramos and John Ramos; and three sisters, Viola Ramos Woessner, Genevieve Ramos Baulkan, and Pearl Ramos.


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