Andrew Lara Ramirez

Andrew Lara Ramirez (born May 14th, 1956- died September 5th, 2022).

Andy was born in Los Angeles, California to Henry and Julia Ramirez; the fifth of thirteen children.

He attended grade school at Rio Hondo Elementary and high school at Arroyo High where he discovered his love for art, especially drawing and painting. Shortly after high school, Andy met his life-long, best friend, Jack Pearson. While they may have used their college savings on leather jackets, sunglasses, and a trip to Las Vegas, this would be money well spent over a 50 year friendship full of memories and laughter.

At the age of 22, Andy married Beverly Reynolds and shortly after, they had their first of four children: Shawn followed by Joseph, Shandi, and Brandi. Andy had one grandson Benjamin Ramirez (Joseph). He took great pride in having taught his children how to be self-sustaining adults through lessons in cooking (including the family's secret recipe to Spanish rice), home & auto repair, and carpentry during their adolescence.

Andy was devoted to his Catholic faith; he was an usher and a Catechist for his parish St. Madeline's church. This love of community helps explain his nickname 'Handy Andy,' as he believed his purpose was to always be there to help family, friends, and neighbors. Being there for someone in need gave Andy a deep sense of fulfillment. Though it became very difficult in his later years as his body wore, he never stopped trying to offer help in any way he could. He helped build the community in his neighborhood, encouraging cookouts and gatherings, while also becoming a leader in advocating for the neighborhood's needs. Among his hobbies, he was also an avid coin collector. He spent his free time visiting his mother, Julia, and listening to music; he never got tired of The Beatles or Phil Collins.

He will be remembered for his sense of humor, as in the story of how he got the neighborhood children (and adults) to call him "King Andy," or showing his kids how to sneak into a movie. He will be deeply missed by all of the people whose lives he touched and made brighter.

Andy's legacy lives on through his children, Shawn Ramirez, Joseph Ramirez, Shandi Ramirez, and Brandi Ramirez, and his grandson Benjamin Ramirez.

Andy is survived by his mother, Julia Lara Ramirez, his siblings, Teresa Fitzsimons (Richard), Steve Ramirez, Kathleen Giba (Joe), Daniel Ramirez (Jamie), Donna Santillan (Ray), Gregory Ramirez, (Bernadette) and James Ramirez.

Andy is preceded in death by his father, Henry Ramirez, and his siblings, Henry Ramirez Jr. (Arlene), Patrick Ramirez (Sher), Lucille Nicklow (Nick), Timothy Ramirez, and Grace Ramirez and his devoted pup, Richie.
Funeral services will be held 10:00am, October 1st, 2022, at Annunciation Catholic Church (1307 E. Longden Ave, Arcadia, CA 91006) and he will be interred at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery following the services.
Arrangements are under the direction of Douglass & Zook Funeral and Cremation Services, Monrovia, California.