Brian P. Ramsey

Brian P. Ramsey, 57, passed peacefully on Saturday, March 18, at his home in Pennside in the loving embrace of his wife and children. He was the husband and best friend of Deborah M. (Zatratz) Ramsey. They were married June 8, 1985. Brian was the proud father of Brian R. and Allyson M. Brian most wanted to be remembered as a good father and husband – we think he was the best of both! He taught his children to be loving, caring, and relentless. And to always remember that Life Rocks!
Brian was born April 5, 1959. He was the son of Jacqueline K. (Reinert) Salvatore and the late William J. Salvatore, and George Ramsey.
He is survived by his sister Kelly (Ramsey) Carbonara, wife of Bruce, and his brothers Mike Ramsey, widower of Andrea, Jack Ramsey, Bill Salvatore, husband of Lauren, Mark Salvatore, companion of Jennifer Frick.
He is also survived by his nieces and nephews Jennifer and Bill Kremp, their son Connor, Jodi Ramsey, Nico Carbonara, Alessandra and Arianna Salvatore; Josh, Chris, and Alex Zatratz; his mother-in-law Elizabeth A. Zatratz; his goddaughter Jessica (Wennell) Kline, and many loving Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.
He is pre-deceased by his brother Gene E. Ramsey, his father-in-law and role model, Theodore Zatratz; and his sister Susan Salvatore.
Brian was educated in the Reading School District and graduated from Wilson High School after moving in his senior year. He also graduated from PACE Institute and was asked to stay on as an Instructor. His career in computers continued at Gilbert Commonwealth and later IBM where he worked on elite development teams for Lotus Notes and other projects. Brian most recently found joy working for Godiva Chocolatier where he spent the last 12 years working in all areas of their Reading plant. He loved his coworkers and friends – and also chocolate! Brian’s love of computers and helping people often had him fixing computers for his friends. He also loved tattoos, his long hair, motorcycles, and music.
He was the lead singer, and best of friends with his brother, Mike, in the band Sidekick Dick. Brian’s love of music started at a young age with him and his sister Kelly singing the Supremes while their brother Gene played piano. He had a mischievous side too. His brother Jack loves to tell the story of the first time he got his younger brother to drink and the predictable results that followed.
Brian loved spending time in Jersey with his cousins Karen Biederman and Mike Conway and their families. Our time there together always brought Brian so much joy.
Above all Brian adored his wife and children. Brian was also lucky to have many great friends who considered him the life of the party. The Halloween parties he hosted with Debbie became a treasured annual event. He had the unique ability to make everyone feel special, and to Brian, everyone was special. He made you feel that in the big hugs he always offered, and he always looked forward to a big hug in return!
On behalf of Brian for all the loving support given to him, his wife and children would like to thank: The Gage Personnel and Godiva Chocolatier work families; Dr. Vinti Shah; Dr. Ursina Teitelbaum; the Christmas Carolers, his Bayada nurses Rebecca, Amy, and Trish; and of course all of our loving family and friends. Life Rocks!
Through Brian’s struggle he always considered others. He was especially sensitive to the challenges that children face. In the spirit of that, the family would like you to please consider making a donation in Brian’s name to the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania. CHOP Foundation, P.O. Box 781352 Philadelphia, PA 19178.
Please join our family and feel free to bring yours for a casual get together on Saturday, April 1 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a sharing of memories beginning at 5:00 pm at the Antietam Valley Recreational Center, 905 Byram Street, Reading, PA 19606. Lutz Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of the arrangements. Please visit www.LutzFuneralHome.com for online condolences.