Ramon Florencio Sotomayor, 91, passed peacefully to his heavenly home on February 8, 2025. He will be long remembered for his love of his family, his strong work ethic, and his unwavering faith in God.

Ramon, affectionally known as Chito, was born in 1933, and spent his early years on a farm at the family's northside homestead off of Oracle Jaynes Station Road. When his father and grandmother had to sell the homestead amid the Great Depression, the family moved to Barrio Hollywood. He was honored by being selected by Tucson High teachers to attend Arizona Boys State, an American Legion civics program. While attending THS, he also worked full-time at Consumers Market to help support the family.

After high school graduation in 1952, he enlisted in the Army the following year. He went through basic training at Fort Ord, CA. He arrived for duty in Korea with the 224th Infantry, 40th Infantry Division. Even after the Korean War armistice had been reached, brief skirmishes occurred, and Ramon was assigned to guard against North Korean infiltration at the frigid demilitarized zone.

While standing guard at the DMZ, he often recalled, a meal would be brought to him on a metal tray. Seconds later, however, the food would freeze and he had to scrape off bits of the food.  After the harsh duty in Korea, the Army Corporal was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Oahu, Hawaii, and at Ft. Lewis, Washington.

Upon his return to Tucson, Ramon continued federal service as an aircraft mechanic at Davis-Monthan AFB. He enjoyed his job, being with his co-worker-friends at the base's Military Aircraft Storage and Disposition Center-MASDC. While working there full-time, Ramon participated in the GI Bill, which assisted veterans for education and vocational training. Ramon earned a degree of Associate of Applied Science, Management, from Pima Community College on May 13, 1976.  After 30 years, he retired from MASDC at DM.  In 1990, he worked as a "Cat Tran" shuttle driver for University of Arizona students, who enjoyed his friendly greetings in Spanish, his great smile, and saying "¡Adios!" as they stepped out of his van.

On Dec. 31, 1955, Ramon married sweetheart, Virginia Lara. He truly cherished and loved his four children --Ramon "Ray" Sotomayor, Christopher Sotomayor, Suzanne (Dennis) Corral, and Lucia Marie (Ethan) Deyo. "Tata Mon" always had a great time dining, laughing, and attending school sports events with his two grandchildren, Vianey "Billy" (Vanessa) Peralta, and Minette Suzanne Peralta. He continued attending school sports events and family celebrations with his seven great-grandchildren, Ruben Peralta, Janae Peralta, Frankie Quiroz, Nathaniel Quiroz, Jakob Quiroz, Tommy Quiroz, and Jace Quiroz.

He is also survived by brother Frank (Barbara) Sotomayor, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Ramon was preceded in death by his parents, Florencio Encinas Sotomayor and Amelia Ortega Sotomayor; siblings Dora Salcido, Alice Sutherland, and Ernest Sotomayor.

A man of deep faith, Ramon was active in the Catholic church throughout his life, starting as an altar boy at St. Margaret's Church. He later took part in the Cursillo movement, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of St. Vincent De Paul, visiting and caring for families in need. He served as a lector at Holy Family Church and Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish.

Dad, thank you for all you gave of yourself to your children, family, and friends. We were blessed to have you as our dear Daddy, Son, Brother, Uncle, Tata, and Great-Tata.  "¡Adios!"

A rosary service will be held at 2 PM, Sunday, February 16th, at Carrillo's Tucson Mortuary, 200 S. Stone Ave. Celebration of Life Mass will be held at 11 AM, Monday, February 17th, at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 1950 W. Irvington Place, followed by interment at Holy Hope Cemetery.