Raymond G. "Ray" Ramirez, age 83, of Annapolis, passed away following a lengthy illness at Anne Arundel Medical Center on Wednesday, May 8, surrounded by his family. Ray was born and spent his youth in Lorain, Ohio, attending Lorain High School. He also lived in Colorado, New Jersey, Washington, Idaho, Rockville and Columbia Maryland, and had resided in Annapolis for the past 20 years.

At age 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and studied electronics and communications. He became an instructor, completing his service by providing classroom and in-flight instruction on the C54 airplane, the first transoceanic four engine transport to see service in the Air Force. He then earned his electrical engineering degree from Ohio University in 1958. His long and prestigious career began at RCA in New Jersey, working on the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System. He continued studies into nuclear power, and left RCA to join Martin-Marietta in Maryland, where he developed circuitry and control devices for the Titan group of missiles, used for launching the Gemini Spacecraft. Career advancements took him to Bendix where he designed weather systems used in war aircraft. While at Bendix, he attended the University of Baltimore and received his law degree. The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) learned of his accomplishments and knowledge in the electronic, nuclear, and legal areas, and recruited him. When the AEC split into the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Mr. Ramirez joined the newly formed NRC and was instrumental in the planning and direction it took as Manager of Nuclear Regulatory Projects and Programs, and ultimately nuclear plant control room design. He recognized a need for increased security and design in nuclear plants, and co-authored a section of the Code of Federal Regulations of the Federal Register in 1988. His thinking was years ahead of its time, and it wasn't until the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 that many of the safeguards and procedures he detailed in his reports were implemented and continue to be used today. He retired from the NRC in 1992 after 25 years of service.

He was a member of the Elks Lodge in Annapolis. He was a league bowler, enjoyed boating, fishing, crabbing, and working on his vehicles, boats, and anything mechanical, and watching all sports from his favorite recliner, with a fondness for college teams. His greatest enjoyment was spending quality time with family and friends.

Ray was a thoughtful and caring man to his family. He always had a smile and was a friend to all who knew him. He will forever be remembered for his sense of humor, intelligence, perseverance, and encouraging words that anything is possible.

Raymond was a devoted husband to his loving wife, Virginia (Messick) of Annapolis, loving father to daughters Pamela (William) Peters of Hiltons, Virginia, and Cynthia (Neal) Herrick of Severn, grandchildren Robert Peters, Brianna Dotson, Wayne Herrick, and Marybeth Herrick, three great grandchildren, brother Carl Ramirez of Ohio, Brother-in-law Raymond Messick, and special nephew Shawn Messick, a large extended family, and his beloved canine companion of 13 years, Megan.

Mr. Ramirez was preceded in death by his parents, Ramon and Agnes (nee Majkut) Ramirez, and sisters Mary Slauter and Carlene Sorino.

The family will receive friends Sunday, 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Barranco and Sons Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park. Funeral Services will be Monday at 10:30 AM in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens in Timonium.

Memorials may be made in his memory to the charity of the donor's choice.