Joseph P. Ramah, Jr., 69, passed away Monday, February 9, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center, just days before his 70th birthday.

Born in Springfield, Massachusetts on February 13, 1956, he was the son of the late Joseph P. Ramah and Pearl (Jabbour) Ramah.

He leaves his beloved wife, Grace (Feghali) Ramah; his sons, Joseph A. and Jeffrey M. Ramah, both of Chicopee; his brother, Peter Ramah and wife Marcia of Saginaw, MI; his sisters, Patricia Shaheen and Catherine Agnew, also of Saginaw, MI; three nieces, Sabrina Cronin, Sarah Ortega, and Rebekah Agnew; three nephews, Samuel J. Shaheen, Peter Shaheen, and Joseph Ramah; and many other close relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his twin brother, Simon Ramah; his sister, Joanne Ramah; and his brothers in law, Samuel Shaheen and Bradley Agnew.

A proud and accomplished athlete, Joseph was a football star at Agawam High School, where he also set a discus record that still stands. He attended Colgate University on a football scholarship before transferring to American International College, where his team was later inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Joseph was the owner of St. Joe’s Builders and operated his own realty company. A tireless worker and natural leader, he built more than homes. He built people. He was known for employing individuals striving to rebuild their lives, feeding the homeless, and freely giving his time and labor to those in need.

Ordained as a preacher, Joseph ministered in churches and jails throughout the region. A devout man of faith, he was a longtime member of Saint Anthony Maronite Catholic Church in Springfield and Lifepoint Church, now Church of the Valley, in Chicopee. His faith was the foundation of his life.

Joseph loved singing, playing the drums, baking, and cooking for those he loved. Larger than life, loud and boisterous, he filled every room with energy and presence. His generosity, faith, and unwavering love for his family will be remembered always.

Calling hours will be held Friday, February 20, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the O’Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb Street, South Hadley, MA. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery on State Street in Springfield.

For more information or to leave online condolences, please visit obrienfamilyfh.com.