Jose Ramirez Obituary (1940 – 2022) – Sacramento, CA

Jose Ramirez
December 16, 1940 – February 26, 2022
Sacramento, Calif. – Jose Ramirez (also known as Pepe Buenavista), well-known retired editor of the newspaper “El Heraldo Católico”, died at the age of 81 on February 26, 2022 in Sacramento.
As founding editor of the country’s first Spanish-language Catholic diocesan newspaper, Pepe managed the entire production of approximately 300 editions of “El Heraldo Católico”. In 1979, he began his 18th year with the Spanish-language bimonthly newspaper published by the Diocese of Sacramento.
Before launching his incredible 30-year communications career as a news director and presenter for television and radio stations and editor of several newspapers, Pepe, originally from Mexico City, devoted himself to finding ways to improve and be resilient even when he has experienced difficulties. throughout his life. After participating in bullfights which earned him the nickname Buenavista, Pepe began his media career in Mexico City with El Redondel and Novedades TV.
In 1971, Pepe moved to California where he worked for the Daily Democrat of Woodland-Davis, El Hispano, KMUV-TV Channel 31, Tele-Novedades de la Semana of Sacramento, and radio station KPIP (later known as name of KRCX) for Sacramento. Metropolitan area. For Channel 31, Pepe anchored the news in Spanish.
He has been active with numerous organizations, including being a member of the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce for over 11 years and Director of Hispanic Communications for the Diocese of Sacramento and host producer of “Aprendiendo a Vivir” (Learning to Live), a half hour radio show broadcast on KRCX radio station every Sunday. He was also active in the Comite Patriotico Mexicano de Sacramento, the Comite Mexicano de Beneficiencia, the Hispanic Catholic Communications Conference, and the Chicano News Media Association.
From radio programs to newspapers, Pepe has dedicated his career to finding innovative ways to launch Spanish news in California. During his retirement, he created the newspaper “El Periódico” in Sacramento.
As someone proud of his cultural identity, he loved being able to share his heritage while learning and experiencing many other cultures around the world. Through his travel office Buenavista, he has led many groups on pilgrimage to places around the world, including the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Mexico.
During his courageous battle with cancer over the past year, Pepe was strong and motivating to many. He cherished every special occasion to share his inspirational speeches about the accomplishments of others. He took every opportunity to educate himself and always strived to share his knowledge with others.
While he was known as a pioneer of Spanish news and a travel expert to many, Pepe for his family was known to be more than a father and grandfather, but a true loving friend who was always ready listening or helping others. For those who had the privilege of knowing him, Pepe was a great role model and mentor who helped many people discover ways to expand their opportunities. He will be greatly missed and will always remain in our hearts.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Ana Maria Ramirez, six children (Guillermo, Eduardo, Ricardo, Hernan, Margarita, Jose), numerous grandchildren, a great-grandchild on the way and his brother Jesus.
The March 29 Rosary at 5:30 p.m. and the March 30 Mass at 10 a.m. will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery at 6509 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento, CA 95820.

Published by The Sacramento Bee on March 12, 2022.