Monty B. Ramella

It is with heavy hearts and much sadness that we announce the passing of Monty B. Ramella of Bluefield, VA on Monday, February 3, 2025, at the age of 78. He was born September 14, 1946, in Welch, WV. He was the son of the late Tullio B. Ramella and Ethel Peraldo Ramella. 

Monty was the epitome of the ultimate gentleman. He will be remembered as an adored husband, beloved father, proud grandfather, loving brother and loyal friend. He was a 1964 graduate of Welch High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Morris Harvey College (University of Charleston, Charleston, WV). He was a dedicated member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bluefield, WV. 

He served six years in the West Virginia Army National Guard with infantry training with the rank of Sergeant. One of his proudest accomplishments was his participation as Team Captain along with his team members from Allied Chemical Corporation; Shannon Branch Mine Caples, WV was being awarded First Place in First Aid and Mine Resue during the 1977 National Mine Rescue Contest in Louisville, KY. His dedication to his work and the people he worked with was unparalleled. He spent most of his career in the coal industry to include multiple supervisory roles and the last 25 years prior to his retirement in 2015 as a coal broker. After his retirement he fulfilled a dream of traveling with his wife to England, France and Italy. He also traveled to Italy with his wife and daughter most recently in 2019 to attain a lifelong aspiration shared by his daughter to visit the origins of his parents and grandparents in Northern Italy. 

His talents were beyond measure, to name a few, he was loving, compassionate, an excellent cook, exceptional conversationalist and had the utmost sincerity. He was an avid reader and extremely knowledgeable in history most especially military history. 

He was preceded in death by his son whom he raised from the age of 5, Jason S. Hicks (April 2023). 

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 48 years, Debby, daughter Montica Ramella Dillon, son whom he raised from the age of 2, Matthew C. Hicks and wife Shandi and grandchildren (Landon T. Hicks and Clara N. Hicks). Beloved brother Tullio A. Ramella and wife Linda. Neice Christina Williamson and husband Brad and children (Connor, Branden and Ava). Nephews Anthony Ramella and wife Mandy and children (Lily, Lina and Caleb Cox and wife Ona-Lydia) and Trey Cecil. Brother-in-Law Stuart Cecil. Sister-in-Law Tammy J. Cecil. Along with many loving extended family members including cousins that he grew up with that were like siblings. 

Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 2:00pm on Thursday February 13, 2025, at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home 3431 Coal Heritage Road Bluefield, WV 24701. Funeral services will be immediately following officiated by Rev. Sebastian Devasya of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Bluefield, WV.

A private family committal ceremony will be held after the funeral service. 

Serving as pallbearers will be Matthew Hicks, Landon Hicks, Anthony Ramella, Mike Lawson, Brad Williamson, Evan Bailey 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bluefield, WV

Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.cravens-shires.com.