STILLWATER - Ret. Master Sgt. John V. “Jack” D’Ambro, Jr., 78 , died at his home, Tuesday, Nov. 7th, after an extended illness, in the loving company of his family.
Born in Troy, May 5, 1939, son of the late John and Mary Piccirilli D’Ambro, Sr., John was a 1957 graduate of Mechanicville High School. At that time, John began his long military career; first serving in the US Air Force for 4 years, then switched to the US Marine Corps for another 4 years, then took a short time away from the military.
He operated the former Easton Market for 28 years, closing the market in 1998.
During the 1970’s, John joined the US Army Reserves, rose to the rank of Master Sgt (E-8), served as a Drill Sgt for 8 years, taught in the 1157th USAR service schools, was an engineering supervisor, was called upon to participate in Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Middle East where he received the Army Achievement Medal, among others, and ended his military career in 1994. John was a proud American who loved and served his country with honor.
In 1998, with time and energy to spare, John and his wife bought property in Kingman, Arizona, basically desert property, had to build a road and home from scratch, dug out and made a large pond, and hosted an annual fishing tournament for kids, including handicap and ARC children. Local Boys and Girls clubs, church organizations and locals had use of the D’Ambro Pond for the enjoyment of fishing, something many kids had never done. This was gladly funded by the D’Ambro’s and other organizations and individuals. In spite of fighting a terminal illness, John and Sandy traveled to his Pond this summer, determined not to disappoint the local kids.
A member of many veteran service orgs. he was life member of the DAV, VFW, American Legion, Marine Corps League, 22nd Support Assn, Persian Gulf War Assn, and was a member of the Mechanicville Athletic Club.
Above it all, John was a loving husband, proud father and grandpa, loyal brother and uncle, and friend of many.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Sandra Dufresne D’Ambro, sons Christopher (Carrie) D’Ambro of Stillwater and Bryan (Farrah) D’Ambro of Waterford, grandchildren Isabella, Giselle, Collin and Conner D’Ambro. Also siblings Donald (Elaine) D’Ambro of Stillwater, Victoria (Tom) Seitz of Florida and William (Cathy) D’Ambro of Mechanicville, along with nieces, nephews and their families.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday at 9 AM at All Saints on the Hudson Church, 121 North Main St., Mechanicville. Burial with military honors to follow at 11 AM at Saratoga National Cemetery.
Calling hours at DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St., Mechanicville on Sunday from 3-6 PM.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the VA Medical Ctr’s Patients Activity Fund,

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