SOUTH PORTLAND – Ambrose DiBiase, 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on May 23, 2024.

Ambrose DiBiase was born on Oct. 16, 1937, the fifth boy of immigrants from Letomonopello, Italy, the late Ambrogio and Anna DiBiase. He was raised on Munjoy Hill amongst his brothers, cousins, aunts and uncles and numerous friends. Known as “Junior” to many, he provided many stories of his youth, all told with laughter and head shaking. His best friend, Jimmy DiBiase shared in many of his adventures, right up until the last days, but even then, we know their friendship will live on.

Ambrose was a communicant of St. Peter’s Church and a graduate of Portland High School where he played football and told stories of running all the way to the high school, late, but stopping long enough to pick up a hot dog from the vendors to bring to the secretary in an effort to not be marked late. He joined the United States Air Force after graduating and was trained in air traffic control. He returned and graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a degree in accounting.

In 1960, he went on a blind date with Miss Cynthia Kelley of South Portland. Miraculously, she continued to date him, marrying him on June 12, 1965. They had three wonderful daughters with no math skills whatsoever.

The family was raised in South Portland, where Ambrose coached Pee Wee football and was involved with other civic organizations. He could be counted on to help out when asked and to make any event fun.

Ambrose worked many jobs in the accounting field, but notably for Tyler Machines, where he was especially honored to work for Herb and Grace Tyler, and considered them close friends as they embraced him as family. Ambrose obtained a pilot’s license and had a small Cessna of which he enjoyed flying around Maine. Upon retiring, he went back to work for the City of South Portland at the municipal golf course- a job he enjoyed, especially playing for free and enjoyed chatting with other golfers, using the hot dog machine and especially greeting his grandchildren (and friends) and paying for their rounds of golf. He was a proud member of the Muffin Club – a weekly event at the Italian Heritage Center that he looked forward to and attended faithfully with his friends.

More than anything, he loved his family. He loved dinners around the table, holiday parties and the annual trips to Cape Cod. He loved western movies, Jerry Vale and making dollhouses for his daughters and grandchildren. He never forgot a thing and reminded everyone of this well-honed skill. He made the best pizzelles- but said his niece Nancy made a close second. He was kind. And generous. And funny. And so very loved.

Ambrose, Junior, Papa, Bro, Dad, leaves behind his bride of 59 years, Cynthia Kelley DiBiase; three daughters and their husbands, Maria and Corey Huntress, Suzanne and Timothy Borelli and Cathleen and Matthew O’Brien; 10 grandchildren, Marty, Molly, Sadie and TJ Dorn, Michael, Anna and Talia Borelli and Richard, Audrey and Tommy O’Brien; his brother, John DiBiase; a sister-in-law, Janice Alden; and his lifetime best friend, Jim DiBiase; and nine nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the incredible staff at Gosnell House. We thank them for their beautiful care and compassion to him and our family, for letting us be us and helping us when we needed it most. To say goodbye.

Visiting hours celebrating Ambrose’s life will be held from 4-6 p.m., on June 3, at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway. Prayers will be recited at the chapel at 9:15 a.m., on June 4, followed by a 10 a.m., Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. To view Ambrose’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com

Memorial contributions may be made in Ambrose’s memory to the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, Hospice of Southern Maine,

390 US Route One,

Scarborough, ME 04074

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