Community residents are mourning the death of Peter Ramos, a long-time New Toronto volunteer, businessman and former president of the Lakeshore Village Business Improvement Area.
PETER HELPED found the Lakeshore Village BIA and popular Santa Claus Parade.
Affectionately known as the “Mayor of Lakeshore,” Ramos passed away on September 24 and a memorial service was held for him on October 5 in Woodbridge. He was 71.
Ramos was born in New Toronto, where he spent most of his life improving the lives of residents. He loved the community and was well-known for his business acumen, activism and volunteering in charitable causes.
Ramos in the 1990s owned Chubbies Deli, near Eighth Street, which his colleagues said offered the best corn beef sandwiches in the area and always had a steady line-up of customers outside the building. He also at one time owned the former Globe Restaurant.
He is credited for starting the popular Santa Claus Parade and the Lakeshore Village BIA, on which he served as president for 10 years.
PETER AT one time owned the very popular Chubbie’s Deli.
His friend John Scheffer, a former airline pilot, laundry owner and president of the BIA, said Ramos toiled for years to get the Santa Claus Parade rolling in 1991. The parade is now in its third decade.
“It took Peter three years to get the Santa Claus Parade going,” Scheffer recalled. “Many other people became involved afterwards.”
PETER was always busy helping out in the community.
Under his tenure, the Lakeshore Village BIA, improved street lighting, introduced Christmas decorations and large planters along Lake Shore Blvd. W. He also fought for a parking lot on Sixth Street, Lakeshore Village Park and many other improvements we enjoy today, former BIA officials said.
“I remember when he was going around to all the stores to obtain signatures to start a BIA,” Scheffer said. “At that time 50% of the businesses had to approve the association.”
Patricia Jutzeler-Delfin, a fourth generation owner of The Clock Factory, said Ramos was always helpful and volunteering with events to promote the community.
“Many people called him the ‘Mayor of Lakeshore,” she said. “He started the mural program and did a lot of things for the community. He would give the shirt off his back to help others.”