Gino Dominic D'Ambrosio

Gino Dominic D’Ambrosio, age 101, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025, in his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 18, 1924, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Antonio D’Ambrosio and the late Vitoria (Ferri) D’Ambrosio.

Gino attended Cooley High School in Detroit, where he formed a lifelong friendship with Mike Ilitch, one that would later carry into both life and career. Shortly after graduating, Gino was drafted into the United States Army in March of 1943. He participated in D-Day as a disrupter, flying into France on a glider, and landing behind enemy lines. He was captured during the Battle of the Bulge and was held as a POW for nearly five months. His courage and sacrifice earned him numerous honors, including two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Star Medals. With deepest gratitude, our nation recognizes his extraordinary service and sacrifice.

Gino returned home in November of 1945, and upon his return, he pursued his education at Wayne University (now Wayne State University). There, he played both baseball and football, serving as quarterback for the football team. He graduated in 1951 with his bachelor’s degree and began a long and meaningful career as a teacher with Detroit Public Schools. He coached baseball and, most notably, football. He served as the Nativity High School football coach for several years and was proudly inducted into the Catholic League Coaches Hall of Fame.

On October 5, 1957, Gino married the love of his life Patricia (nee: Jones). They planted their roots in Warren, where they built a home and raised their family. Gino loved teaching and coaching not only his own children but all the neighborhood kids who looked up to him.

His long friendship with Mike Ilitch led to his opening the first Little Caesars franchise, Store #2, on Hoover Road in Warren. However, his true passion was sports, which led him to become involved with the Little Caesars amateur hockey and softball teams. He left his teaching career behind to work for Mr. Ilitch in Public Relations and Sales with the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, and Fox Sales, a job he truly loved and excelled at.

A natural athlete, Gino played many sports throughout his lifetime. He excelled at all of them, posting several 300 bowling games in his career, but golf was always his first passion. He recorded several holes in one and remained a fierce competitor well into his 90's. His participation in sports provided him with lifelong friendships too numerous to count.

Throughout his life, Gino made a profound impact on countless young people. Many of the boys he coached and are now well into their 70s and 80s. They continued to reach out to him over the years to reminisce and thank him for the lessons and memories he gave them.

Gino was a great joke teller and loved holding court. His joyful spirit and laughter filled every room he entered. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Gino is the beloved husband of the late Patricia. Loving father of Gina (Robert Kolinski), John (Kim), and Michael (Kristen) D’Ambrosio. Cherished grandfather of Nicole (Matt) Bunjac, Gino (Suzie), Ethan (Isabella), Braeden D’Ambrosio, Vince, Dominic, and Isabella Aluzzo. Proud great-grandfather of Adam D’Ambrosio, Violet Bunjac, and Thoren Bunjac. He was preceded in death by his siblings Catherine Rossi, Joe Carafelli, Josephine Adams, Paulina Carafelli, and his brother-in-law Kenneth Jones. He is survived by his sister-in-law Kathryn (Michael) Michaud, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday from 2–7 p.m. and the Funeral Service will be held Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12½ Mile Road), Warren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA and or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

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