Frederic J. D'Ambrose

Frederic J. D’Ambrose, 88, of Hamden, CT passed away on December 21, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on August 26, 1937 in Mount Vernon, NY, he was the loving husband of Marilyn (Hecker) D’Ambrose for 66 wonderful years. Fred lived most of his life in Hamden, CT, and was a graduate of Hamden High School. He earned a BS from Southern Connecticut State University, where he played tennis - his greatest passion, ran track, and was a captain of the basketball team. He went on to earn his MS and his Sixth-Year in Educational Leadership at Fairfield University. Fred worked for the North Branford School System for 35 years, where he established the first nature trail at Northford Intermediate School, was instrumental in implementing technology, and negotiated for the administrators’ union. In addition to being a science teacher, an assistant principal, and a principal, Fred coached JV basketball at Branford High School and track at University of New Haven. Fred lived his retirement to the fullest, working at an auto auction; as an adjunct professor at Quinnipiac University supervising science teachers; volunteering at the British Art Museum, the Peabody Museum, and the Pilot Pen tennis tournament; and traveling with his wife. He was an avid collector of mining equipment, minerals, and books. Fred never missed cheering on the UCONN Huskies women’s basketball team with Marilyn at his side. Fred’s greatest love was his family, of whom he was so proud. He was predeceased by his parents, Josephine and Gaetano D’Ambrosi; three brothers, Eugene, Gaetano II, and Robert; and his beautiful daughter Donna Festa. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his devoted daughter Lisa Bennett (James); his son-in-law Pasquale Festa (Jodi); grandchildren Michael Maciver (Rachel), Katherine Abbonizio (Ryan), and Madelyn Bablak (Robert); great-grandchildren Andrew Maciver and Beau Bablak; several nieces and nephews; and many extended family members, including his adopted grandchildren and great-grandchildren Jeffrey (Denisse), Daniel, and Carly Netting, and Benjamin and Finneas Netting. His legacy lives on in all his family and friends, as he made a lifelong lasting impression. Fred’s tremendous sense of humor and love of life inspired all those who knew him and strangers alike. He made everyone laugh wherever he went. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Kluger and her compassionate staff at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven and Dr. Kevan Herold for their years of treatment and tremendous care. Friends are invited to attend a committal service Saturday 11am in the Mausoleum at All Saints Cemetery, followed by entombment. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting Breakthrough T1D (formerly Junior Diabetes Research Foundation) to honor Donna D’Ambrose Festa.