Julio Amaya

Julio Ramirez-Amaya passed away on September 4th, 2015 at the age of 55 from medical complications of cryptogenic cirrhosis. Anyone who knew Julio knew that he was a jokester and a charmer, but also a hard and dedicated worker. He was the ultimate do-it-yourselfer, taking great pride in fixing cars, fixing electronics, fixing appliances, landscaping, building decks and sheds, gardening, harvesting tomatoes and hemming pants. Julio was born on December 29th, 1959 in Soyapango, El Salvador. He started his life in the United States after attending Jordan College in Cedar Springs, Michigan. He eventually married and fathered two girls, for whom he was the world's best hair-dresser. Julio touched many students' lives while working at the Kent Career & Technical Center for almost two decades. He understood the vital importance of education, and especially tried to support Latino youth. He participated regularly in the Latino Youth Conference, a local organization who is honoring him with a scholarship in his name. His family would appreciate any memorial donations to be made out to: GRCC Foundation Latino Youth Conference (with LYC Julio Amaya Scholarship in the memo), at 143 Bostwick NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Honoring his wishes, cremation will take place. Arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Julio Amaya, please visit our flower store.