Dominic "Poging" Ramos

Dominic “Poging” Ramos

It pains me to admit it, but apparently, I have drifted off this mortal coil on January 8, 2021 after complications from a radioactive spider bite that led to years of long battle with nefarious punks. Civilians will recognize me best as Spider-Man, but my family knew me only as the sweet baby boy of the Ramos clan.

On September 9, 1994, my parents and older siblings celebrated my birth, and I was introduced to all as Dominic “Poging” Ramos, the youngest child of Renato Ramos and Susan Lipumano. I am a certified and proud “Mama’s favorite child” awardee, besting three other contenders, my two Ate, Renelle (Mario) Corral and Rhanae (Walter) Parreno; and my Kuya, Rene Gil (Kathryn) Ramos.

So many things in my life seemed of little significance at the time they happened but then took on a greater importance as I got older. The memories I am taking with me now are so precious and have more value than all the gold and silver in my mom’s jewelry box.

Memories...where do I begin?

I remember spending the first six years of my life as a child in the Philippines, where I enjoyed weekly dining at my favorite fast food chain, Jollibee. Somehow, my family figured a way to include my indulges in our monthly budget.

When I was six, I remember refusing to be discharged from the hospital after successfully recovering from pneumonia because I enjoyed the amenities of a private hospital room – I had my own TV with air conditioner and 24/7 room service. Why would I leave the place? I demanded a second opinion, and I am pretty sure I got my attending physician fired.

I remember getting lost in the market after hiding from my mom because she did not buy me a toy. While I was still in preschool at the time and did not know our address, I found my way home walking the 3 miles that involved crossing major streets. My mom never understood how I got home before she did. Well, she looked for me in the market for hours while I figured it would take less time to walk home than try to search for her.  It was then I realized that I am the smartest of the bunch.

I manifested resourcefulness at a very young age. I remember walking into our house with a cup of taho, a classic sweet snack in the Philippines. I will not forget the disbelief in my older siblings’ eyes when I casually told them that I had a line of credit with the taho vendor. It was pretty funny to see all three of them rushing out the door with their own cups after I gave them permission to tell the vendor to add their bill to my tab.

I remember two of the most unforgettable and important days of my life. First, when I met my true love, my fiancée, Robin Buford. Second, when she gave birth to my one and only child, Anaice Idalia Ramos. They brought a wonderful sense of meaning to my life. They completed me.

I think this might also be a good time to mend fences.

I apologize for punching my older brother in the face. I lost my cool due to him constantly cheating while we were playing video games when we were kids. Thank you to my two older sisters for protecting me, holding him down which allowed me the time to hide behind mom. Kuya, I know you are still sour about it because you never got your revenge. I am sorry.

I apologize for instigating that my older sister was born a boy to discourage any guys interested in dating her. Due to this rumor, she was stuck with a husband who accepted and loves her for who she really is. Ate Dhay, I am sorry. Also, thank you for my collection of Jordan shoes.

I apologize to my Mama for all the disappointments. Please remember that I love you and I am forever grateful that you are my mom. Thank you for always believing and never giving up on me. You are the best Mama in the world.

I apologize to my fiancée, Robin, because I could not be here with you to raise our baby girl. I am sorry for all the heartaches. I am sorry for leaving too soon. Thank you for the time we had, all the memories we created and the love that we shared. I love you and our daughter with all my heart, always and forever.

To my little Mamash, Anaice, sorry that you will grow up without daddy. I am sorry I would not hear your first word, see you take your first step, teach you how to drive, beat up the boys who would dare to break your heart, or walk you down the aisle. Please do not forget about me even if you may not remember any memories of me. Please know that I will be an angel watching over you and your mommy.

I think I am a pretty nice guy with a good heart, despite being a former punk and what some people would say about me. What did they know about me anyway? I loved my family and I cared for them through good times and bad. I did my best.

I am a loving Tito to Marielle, MJ, Katniss and Axel, a beloved grandson to my Nanay, Carmelita Parreno, a fond nephew, cousin and friend of many.

I will leave you all with this…please do not cry because I am gone; instead, be happy that I was here. Or maybe you can cry a little bit. After all, I would no longer be here.

Today, I am happy and dancing, enjoying heaven with my beloved brother, Kuya, Mario Corral, who I am pretty sure not pleased that I followed too soon. So, wish me luck. I may finally be getting the promised beat down from him.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 15th, 2:00 – 8:00 PM at Dieterle Memorial Home & Cremation Ceremonies, 1120 S Broadway, Montgomery.

A Mass of Catholic burial will be celebrated Saturday, January 16th, 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 722 High Street, Aurora, with Fr. Jerry Leake, officiating. Due to current restrictions, facemasks are required and social distancing is expected. A limited number of guests will be allowed in the chapel, we thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery, Montgomery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated to assist with the future education of my only child and can be made to Anaice Idalia Ramos, sent to Dieterle Memorial Home, 1120 S Broadway Ave. Montgomery, IL 60538.