David W. Ambrose

David Wood Ambrose of Croton-on-Hudson, NY and more recently of Truro, MA, died on August 22, 2015. Born in Ayer, MA, son of the late Frederic C. Ambrose and Emma M. Ambrose (Wood). He became the man of the house at the early age of 15 when the family relocated to Shirley, MA, having been evacuated from the Philippines. His father remained behind to fight the war and died following the Bataan Death March. David was a graduate of Governor Dummer Academy in 1944 and Harvard in 1948 (NROTC), then went on to earn a law degree from Boston University in 1952. He served active duty in the Navy from 1944-1948 and remained in the reserves for many years. David was predeceased by his siblings, Arline Levenson and Frederic M. Ambrose.

He was married to Elizabeth Carroll for 19 years and is survived by their five children. He was married to Marcia S. Hodsdon for 48 wonderful years until his passing and is survived by their two children. He also has 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

David was a very successful business person having worked for FW Woolworth for most of his career and had a very lucrative real estate development business. He not only designed four beautiful homes on Cape Cod, but was an active participant in their construction as well. He was an aspiring inventor, loved boating, and all forms of outdoor activity. David was a sweet man with a gentle nature who loved animals, children, and taking long walks on Fisher Beach.

He was very involved in his children’s lives through a variety of activities and loved raising them on the bank of the Croton River. He also brought imaginary characters to life through his famous storytelling. He was active with the Boy Scouts, was an avid reader and enthusiastically continued the family tradition of competitive scrabble games. David was well known for his ability to nap anywhere. Most of all, he loved to spoil his children. David was loved by all who knew him including the staff at Liberty Commons where he spent his final days.

A Memorial Service will be held Oct 24, 2015 at the Wellfleet Congregational Church at 1:00PM. A reception will immediately follow in the Fellowship Hall of the church.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.