Robert Michael Ramko, 85
Robert Michael Ramko, 85, passed away Jan. 12, 2023, at his home in Sandpoint, Idaho, surrounded by his family.
Bob was born June 30, 1937, in Nyack, N.Y., to Michael and Anna Bianco Ramko. He grew up and attended school in Spring Valley, N.Y., and Alfred University. He held a number of positions with United Parcel Service in New York, training drivers in New York City, and as part of the advanced team establishing UPS service in cities along the eastern seaboard during the company’s expansion in the 1960s.
He was a member of the New York State Army National Guard for six years, serving as a sergeant in the 101st Signal Battalion, stationed at Ft. Dix, N.J., and Ft. Devens, Mass.
Bob married Jane Irene Kelley on Aug. 6, 1960, in Piermont, N.Y. Residing in Teaneck, N.J., they welcomed two children: daughter Elizabeth Kelley and son Christopher Robert. The young family enjoyed many backpack camping adventures in New England and states across the country and Mountain West. They moved to Sandpoint in 1973 and settled in the Selle Valley, where Bob built the family home, outbuildings and raised hogs for 10 years. He enjoyed many years of skiing at Schweitzer Basin. Bob tended bar in Sandpoint for 30 years — at the Sandpoint BPOE and golf club, then the iconic Garden Restaurant for many years. After its closing, he worked at the former Swan’s Landing and City Beach Bistro restaurants. Bob enjoyed preparing delicious meals, hosting friends for dinner, baking his delicious artisan bread, which he shared with friends and family, woodworking and jazz music.
He is survived by his wife, Jane; daughter Elizabeth (Steve) Koster of Sandpoint; son Christopher (Kay) Ramko of Newport Beach, Calif.; grandson Douglas (Britney) Koster of Bend, Ore.; granddaughter Natalie Koster of Sandpoint; and great-granddaughter Aubrey Jane Koster, also of Bend, Ore.
His passing leaves a huge void in our lives and he will be missed and lovingly remembered forever by all his family and friends.
A celebration of his life will be held at an undetermined date this summer.
Family and friends are invited to sign Bob’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.