EDINBURG, Texas - Former state District Judge Mario E. Ramirez, who passed away December 24 aged 75, is being remembered for his humility, his service to the community and his deep commitment to justice.
Born in Roma, Texas, in 1950, Ramirez graduated from Rio Grande City High School in 1968. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 1974.
Ramirez retired in December 2024 after 44 years on the bench, the longest serving state district judge south of Houston. He served as presiding judge of the 93rd District Court from 1981 to 1982, and from 1983 onwards as presiding judge to the newly established 332nd District Court.
He had earlier served as a McAllen municipal court judge and a county court at law judge.
“We were a family that looked to serve the public,” Ramirez told Rio Grande Guardian anchor Mari Regalado, in a 2019 livestream. “My father was a doctor in Roma. In fact, he was the only doctor there for very many years and had a very large practice in Roma. He was also the county judge in Starr County and he was always involved in the community. All of the children felt that sense of community, that sense of duty to the community.”
Regalado said she sought the interview to talk about Ramirez’s long stint as Overseer of Hidalgo County’s Juvenile Probation Department. He served in this capacity for 28 years. The Juvenile Justice Center is responsible for the processing of Juvenile Offenders between the ages of 10-17 referred by law enforcement agencies for law violations. The Judge Mario E. Ramirez, Jr. Juvenile Justice Center was named after him.
State District Judge Renee Rodriguez-Betancourt, presiding judge of the 449th District Court, said Judge Ramirez was respected by everyone in the legal profession in Hidalgo County and beyond.
“Judge Ramirez was someone I deeply admired and hoped to learn from. He was a true pioneer in helping establish the Judge Mario Ramirez, Jr. Juvenile Justice Center and in laying the foundation for a system that gave at-risk children in our community a real opportunity for rehabilitation and hope,” said state District Judge Renee Rodriguez-Betancourt, presiding judge of the 449th District Court.
Rodriguez-Betancourt continued: “As a lawyer, he always treated me with respect, dignity, and fairness. That meant more to me than he probably ever knew. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he impacted, and he will never be forgotten. I hope he and my Tío Nico are sharing a wonderful conversation in heaven. May he rest in peace.”
Here is the livestream with Regalado:
Here are some of the tributes that have poured in for Judge Ramirez:
“I am saddened to learn about the passing of my dear and longtime friend, retired State District Judge Mario Ramirez, Jr. Judge Ramirez dedicated over 40 years of service to our state’s judiciary. He began his career in the late 1970s as an assistant municipal court judge and then as a county court at law judge. In 1981, he was appointed as the judge of the 93rd District Court, and in 1983, he moved to the 332nd State District Court, where he presided until his retirement last year, December 2024. He served with distinction and earned the respect of many during his tenure. Judge Ramirez was also a lifelong advocate for at-risk youth and oversaw the Hidalgo County Juvenile Probation Department. He was also a devoted family man. My condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed. May he Rest in Peace and be in Heaven.”
“With heavy hearts, the Hidalgo County Bail Bonds Association mourns the passing of Mario Ramirez, a man whose life was marked by service, humility, and a deep commitment to justice. For 44 years, Judge Ramirez served our courts with quiet integrity, fairness, and compassion, always leading with wisdom and respect for those he served. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched with dignity and grace. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his memory be a blessing, and may we honor his life by upholding the values he so faithfully represented.”
My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the Ramirez family during this difficult time. Judge Mario Ramirez was a mentor, role model, and true friend to me from the very beginning of my legal career. I learned so much from his humility and deep respect for the law. As the first judge of the 332nd District Court, he led by example and left behind a legacy of integrity and justice served. Beyond the courtroom, he was a steady and kind presence whose guidance I will always carry with me. Judge Ramirez was not only a respected jurist but a true pillar of our community, and his presence will be greatly missed.”
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of retired State District Judge Mario Ramirez, Jr. With over 40 years of dedicated service to our judiciary, he served with integrity, compassion, and distinction. Judge Ramirez was also a lifelong advocate for at-risk youth and a devoted family man. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.”
The Guardian will add more tributes as they come in.
Friends are cordially invited to join the family for a visitation beginning at five o’clock in the afternoon with a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at seven o’clock in the evening on Tuesday, the 30th of December at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at ten o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 31st of December, where Fr. Gregory T. Labus is to officiate. The Interment will immediately follow in Roselawn Cemetery in McAllen. The family is in the care of Kreidler Funeral Home, Inc. of McAllen.
