Joseph John Ambrose, a lifelong resident of Southampton, died February 12 at the Hamptons Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. He was 79.
As one of the original members of the Hamptons Surf Club of Long Island, Mr. Ambrose enjoyed a longtime hobby of fishing with his buddies. He also enjoyed hunting, golfing, and gardening. His greatest pleasure though was stock car racing and attending NASCAR races. In January 2012, he attended the induction ceremony of his friend, Richie Evans, into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Frances; a son, Joseph “Rocky” Ambrose; daughters, Barbara Intermaggio and Patricia Nilsson; four grandchildren, Tyler and Jillian Intermaggio and Jason and Bryan Ambrose; and two great-grandchildren, Aiden and Luke “Woot” McErlean.
Visitation was held on February 15 at the O’Connell Funeral Home in Southampton. A funeral Mass was held on February 16 at the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church in Southampton.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, stjude.org.