Sebastian "Chapo" Ramirez
January 20, 1951 – September 15, 2024

Sebastian "Chapo" Ramirez, a lifelong New Mexican, passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024. He was born on January 20, 1951, in Carlsbad, New Mexico, where he grew up and graduated from Carlsbad High School. Chapo was an exceptional athlete, excelling in multiple sports, and proudly earned the title of New Mexico Golden Gloves boxing champion at the young age of 14.

Chapo pursued higher education at the University of New Mexico, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. Following graduation he had a promising career in an architecture firm he co-owned and was active in local and state politics, but his life took a difficult turn in 1997 when a serious auto accident resulted in a traumatic brain injury, leaving him medically disabled. Despite these challenges, Chapo found a new path serving his community by helping elderly clients in New Mexico with their insurance needs, particularly those who were relatives and friends of his extended family. He felt a deep sense of fulfillment in assisting an underserved population and took great pride in this work.

Chapo was preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Lucy Ramirez and by his older brother, Johnny Ramirez. He is survived by his sons, Mark Franco and wife Nicole Franco, Sean Ramirez and fiancée Raquel Garcia, as well as his beloved grandchildren, Mariah Garcia-Ramirez and Eliza Ramirez. He is also survived by his siblings, Rose Mary Duarte, Antonio Ramirez, and Yolanda Sandate, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A devoted Catholic with a rich spiritual life, Chapo will be remembered for his unwavering faith and generous spirit. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 5712 Paradise Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114, on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Chapo's name to the Brain Trauma Foundation (https://braintrauma.org/donate).