Joseph V. D’Ambra, 80, passed away this past Memorial Day in Monument, CO.

 

Son of Joseph and Mary D’Ambra, he was born on November 8, 1943 in Providence, Rhode Island. After graduating from Classical HS in 1962, Joe went on to study civil engineering at University of Rhode Island and was a member of Sigma Pi, American Society of Civil Engineers, URI alumni Association, Air Force Association, Daedalian’s Society, Gray Eagles (retired American Airlines pilots) and the URI ROTC Hall of Fame.

 

Joe was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the US Air Force as a civil engineer. He was then assigned as a KC-135 pilot in the Pacific and flew 199 missions in direct support of air combat operations in Southeast Aisa. For his extraordinary achievements in Air Refueling, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on September 14, 1971. He was a Flight Commander, Instructor Pilot and Developmental Engineer. He flew Air Force 2 for Vice President George Bush. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 22 years of service.

 

Joe went on to serve as a First Officer and Captain for American Airlines for 14 years flying the 727 and MD-80 where he fully enjoyed life and often stated it didn’t feel like work.

 

Joe married the love of his life, Patricia A. Pignatelli of Troy, NY in 1968. He is survived by her and their 2 children, Jeffrey D’Ambra (Heidi D’Ambra) of Monument, CO and Jennifer D’Ambra (Eric Roesch) of Lake Tahoe, CA. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Lauren D’Ambra, Caroline D’Ambra, Isabella D’Ambra, Jack D’Ambra and Chloe Roesch as well as his cherished sister Constance Cota of Cranston, RI, many nieces, a nephew and extended family throughout the east coast.

 

Joe was loved and admired by all that knew him and knew of his achievements which he kept to a humble few. He had many pets and a soft spot for animals in need. He would always stop to help motorists with car trouble or give professional advice to those just starting out. He was a rock to many, a master of sarcastic humor and a beloved father, husband and brother.

 

Service will be held Wednesday June 5th at Tri-Lakes Funeral & Cremation in Monument,CO with internment at Pikes Peak National Cemetery.