Obituary

RICHARD N. 'DICK' AMBROSE, 75 ROCKFORD - Richard N. "Dick" Ambrose 75 of Rockford passed away Wednesday September 17, 2014 in Alden Debes. He was born March 28, 1939 in Rockford, the son of Ronald and La Bonna (Kinson) Ambrose. He graduated from West High, class of 57. He married Patricia Recob on October 5, 1962 in Rockford. Richard served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. After active duty he served eight more years in the Air Force Reserves. Richard worked as an Electrician at Rexham, National Lock and Ingersoll. After he retired he drove a school bus for District 205 for over 4 years. Richard was a Disaster Action Team Captain for American Red Cross for many years. For the last three years he was a volunteer at the Veterans Drop-In Center, where he loved visiting with his fellow vets. He was a retiree of the North Park Fire Department. Richard was quartermaster of the Cherry Valley VFW and then a member of Loves Park VFW. He was a long time super fan of the Phantom Regiment. He loved to play sports, including baseball, golf, bowling and fishing and he was hard to beat at Ping-Pong. Richard was always proud that he was a descendent of the first Italian family to settle in Rockford in the late1800's. On his mother's side, the Kinson family settled New Milford. Survivors include his wife Patricia. Four children, Tammarie (Norman) Gilg, Timothy (Laurie) Ambrose, Tina (Bob) Moseley and Tedd (Andrea Sidebottom) Ambrose. Grandchildren, Margaret (Jeff) Dewitt, Katelyn Gilg, Jacob Ambrose, Nathan Ambrose, Bryce Moseley and Brynn Moseley. And a granddaughter due in November. Great grandson, Jared Gilg. Aunt, Rose Ann Welch. Predeceased by his parents and twin brother, Robert. A celebration of his life will be held at 12pm Saturday September 27, 2014 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home 1860 S. Mulford Road. Visitation from 10am until 11:45 Saturday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family for a memorial to be established. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com