Paul J. Ramondetta

September 24, 1949 ~ December 20, 2023
Paul John Ramondetta, 74, Beloved husband, father, brother, friend and petroleum geologist passed away peacefully in his home, holding the hands of loved ones on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 after a three-month battle with myelodysplasia. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Vittorio and Antonietta Ramondetta; granddaughter, Selena, and brother, Joseph. He is survived by his wife, Joanna Ramondetta (née Mix) of Wichita; sister, Grace (Bruce) Davidson of East Quogue, NY; children, Victor (Angela) Ramondetta of Guthrie, OK, Elizabeth (Antonio) Taylor of Moore, OK, Peter Ramondetta of Wichita; grandchildren, Madison, Maya, Jaden, and Braylon as well as great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.Paul grew up in Brooklyn, New York in a close-knit Italian household. His mother was born in Buccheri, Sicily and his father was a first-generation New Yorker. Paul was a graduate of Brooklyn Tech High School and went on to study at Brooklyn College where he discovered a love of geology. Paul received a Bachelor of Science in 1971 and then earned a Master’s in Geology in 1975. Paul always loved New York and the surrounding areas. He spent much of his free time climbing, hiking and caving with friends and going to music festivals, including Woodstock. Following his love for geology Paul made the long journey from Brooklyn to Houston, TX in 1976. There he worked as a Geology and Physics Instructor and Consulting Geologist for Houston Community College. While in Houston, Paul met his first wife Vickie (Cooper) with whom he had three children, Victor, Elizabeth and Peter. Paul then became a Research Geologist for the Bureau of Economic Geology in Austin before starting a job with Oxy Petroleum and Cities Service which took him to Wichita for the first time, as well as to Oklahoma City, Bakersfield, CA, Tulsa, OK and Doha, Qatar. Always having a love for Kansas, Paul settled in Wichita to stay after becoming Exploration Manager at Vess Oil Corporation in 1998, which he loved and where he was always excited about the next project. Paul was also very active in the Kansas Geological Society and Library over the years where he formed strong friendships and served as Society Treasurer and President in 2017.Paul met his wife, Joanna in December 2006 through her sister Katie, a long-time friend of Paul’s. They were married in 2008 and shared passions for home, family, travel, film noir movies, history and art. Paul and Joanna loved gathering with family and friends and enjoyed countless trips together. Their favorite place on earth was Florence and they were planning to go again this fall before Paul’s diagnosis. They adored hosting parties where Paul loved making his famous Italian dishes that he learned from his mother while growing up in New York.Paul was a devoted husband, father, brother and friend. He adored his grandchildren and always took a very active role in their lives, taking them on trips and offering wise words and love. Through Paul’s son’s involvement in soccer, he refereed soccer in his spare time for nearly thirty years and was also an enthusiastic member of his weekly running group.Paul leaves behind a legacy of love, light, laughter and honor. His quiet yet never-ending sense of fun was contagious and he was adored by all who knew him. The family wishes to thank the Cancer Center of Kansas, Ambulatory Infusion Center of St. Francis and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice for their love and support.Funeral Service will be at 1:00 pm, Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.A memorial has been established with: The Lord's Diner, 520 N. Broadway St., Wichita, KS 67214.
I met Paul & Vickie through Elizabeth Ramondetta who is the mother of my great nieces, Selena & Jaden Whitecloud. He treated my family with love and kindness ❤️ I will never forget him and his “Italian ” kisses! A great family man, honorable and loving to all..now you can rest and be with your granddaughter “Selena ” ❤️ til we meet again, your legacy will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing you..
Yes, Paul was one if the most kindest and friendliest persons I had the privilege of knowing. My great niece’s grandfather. RIP.
Daryl and I (Kim)cleaned for Paul for 2 years before he met Joanna. Paul was always so nice and kind to us and always respected us. Paul was an exceptional man and we were blessed to have known him.
I didn’t know Paul had passed. I worked at KGS for years and I adored Paul. He was the kindest, funniest, easy going guys. I have many fond thoughts of seeing him in the library and how thoughtful and kind he was to all of the staff at the library.