A lifelong resident of San Jose, Joe Ramona ’53 was born on July 11, 1931, to Italian immigrant parents George and Marie Ramona. He was married to his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Joanne Dudley, for 65 years; she preceded him in death in 2016. Joe was a standout Bay Area football player at Lincoln High School and Santa Clara University, going on to play for the New York Giants, where he started his rookie year. After his year with the Giants, he served two years as an officer in the United States Army, and from there went on to be a successful businessman. Over the years he continued to be an avid Bay Area sports fan of the 49ers and San Francisco Giants. Joe loved the many years of Sunday family dinners and summer vacations at their mountain home on Donner Lake. He also had a green thumb, growing beautiful vegetable gardens every summer in his backyard. On Aug. 17, Joe died peacefully at home at the age of 86. His only sibling, Ralph Ramona, preceded him in death. Joe is survived by his four children, Gregg (Val), Jeff (Doreen), Dave Ramona ’82, Jodi (Michael); 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He will be forever missed.