Armand Robert DeAmbrosis

Armand Robert DeAmbrosis, age 91, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2023. He was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Armand was born on Mother’s Day, May 8, 1932, in Manhattan, NY. He was the only son of Giovanna (Jenny) Fusco DeAmbrosis and Oreste DeAmbrosis. Growing up in Washington Heights, Armand had a close-knit group of friends with whom he played stick ball and fast-pitch softball, both in the street and at local schools. He always shared how fortunate he felt to grow up in this melting pot of a neighborhood where everyone respected each other. Armand’s father worked in the restaurant industry, most notably as the head waiter at the 21 Club in NYC. As a result, Armand was raised by two parents who were good cooks, which he often reminisced about. Unfortunately, Armand’s father was also a heavy smoker, and succumbed to lung cancer when Armand was just 16 years old. From that time forward, Armand worked 2 part-time jobs after school to help support his mother. Sadly, just a few years later, Armand lost his mother to breast cancer, leaving him with neither parents nor siblings at the age of 21. Armand went to live with his mother’s sister and her family for a while following his mother’s death, which gave him the opportunity to become close with two of his surviving cousins, Diana Query and Carol Query Olori. Armand kept in touch with them somewhat regularly until just a few weeks before his passing. Armand served in the US Army during a time when there was no conflict and was stationed in France for most of this time. He was able to bring his wife with him, and his first daughter Jean was born while he was serving there. He considered himself very fortunate to have avoided conflict. He was also thankful to have that time to make lifelong friends as well as to visit his family in Italy when on leave. Armand was proud to have worked at Hofstra University for over 30 years. In addition to working full- time there, he also attended classes, receiving his BA in Accounting. While raising two children his hobbies were fishing, boating and playing basketball. After retiring as Director of administrative computing at Hofstra, Armand spent most of his time on his train hobby, building layouts and amassing an impressive collection. Armand is survived by his daughters Jean Gottlieb and Donna Guilbault (Brian), grandchildren Dawn Swagger (Adam), Lee Gottlieb (Pam), Maria Guilbault and Pieter Guilbault, and great-grandchildren Nicholas Swagger, Harry Swagger, Jack Gottlieb, and Brooke Gottlieb, in addition to his ‘sometimes wife’ (ex) Elizabeth DeAmbrosis, and numerous cousins on his mother’s side of the family (Fusco). Donations may be given in memory of Armand DeAmbrosis to Hofstra University using the link below: Donation in Memory of Armand DeAmbrosis https://www.hofstra.edu/alumni/ways-to-give.html

Armand Robert DeAmbrosis

May 8, 1932 - October 29, 2023