Date of Birth: October 04, 1960
Date of Death: January 03, 2021
Mark Joseph Ambrosino unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2021, at the age of 60. Mark was born in Gloversville, New York on October 4, 1960. His parents were Joseph Luis Ambrosino and Wilhelmina “Billie” Ambrosino, nee Malin. The oldest of six children, Mark was a natural leader: always willing to help out on his family’s farm and striving for high marks in his schooling. In high school, he competed in soccer and wrestling and his teammates nicknamed him “the Goat”. His work ethic and desire to follow in his father’s footsteps led to him enlisting in the Air Force at age 17. Early in his career with the Air Force, Mark met the woman who would become his rock and the love of his life: Debbie Ambrosino, nee Gilliam. They met in 1980 and were married in 1983. Together, they each served approximately 22 years in the military, traveling all over the world, and welcomed their daughters, Michelle and Breanna, in 1984 and 1989 respectively. Mark served in the Gulf War under Desert Storm. He was also a part of the Hurricane Andrew clean-up and building a school in Ecuador. After retiring from the Air Force in 1999, he worked as a civilian civil engineer for Luke Air Force Base until his death. Mark invested heavily in his community with his acts of service. He frequently helped his neighbors and friends with projects and home improvements. He also was an avid volunteer at the Valley View Community Food Bank. In his down time, Mark enjoyed watching and going to arena and NFL football games, hockey games, and NASCAR and drag races. In actuality, he would watch almost any sport… except basketball. With all his accomplishments, hobbies, and pet projects, Mark’s true pride and joy was his grandchildren Teagan, Preston, and Cadence. He loved them with every fiber in his being and would drop everything and anything to spend time with them. He loved taking them to Home Depot and the Children’s museum. He always made sure to involve them in whatever he was doing. He was looking forward to meeting his latest granddaughter, Gracelyn, who will be born in March. Mark was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother Michael Hartley Ambrosino. He is survived by his wife Debra “Debbie” Ambrosino; children Michelle Ambrosino-Weber and Breanna McCabe; sons-in-law Donald Weber and Collin McCabe; grandchildren Teagan McCabe, Preston Weber, Cadence McCabe, and Gracelyn Weber; and siblings Alicia Halgren, Robin Gregorka, Paul Ambrosino, and Daniel “Danny” Ambrosino.
Service Information
As per his wishes, Mark’s ashes will be laid to rest at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Service information will be given at a later time.
Contributions
People wishing to honor Mark’s lifelong commitment to family and community can make donations to Valley View Community Food Bank. Please send all donations to 10771 W Peoria Ave, Sun City, AZ, 85351 or visit their website at feedingaz.org.
Mark was a great friend and like a brother. I will miss him deeply.
It was my pleasure to meet Mark the man behind this amazing woman, “Pastor Debbie”. We embrace you and your family in love and our sincere condolences.
Our sincere thoughts and prayers.
When I think of Mark, I think of dedication. I first met him when we were stationed together in Einsiedlerhof, Germany. He was dedicated to the mission and to training other troops. He knew that the latter was tied to the former. He was never too busy to teach someone.
He was also dedicated to his family. Breanna and Michelle were little girls back then. His angels. And Deb was his partner, his rock and his guiding light. He was dedicated to all three of them, through and through.
He was dedicated to his friends. If someone needed a hand, Mark was the first one to extend one.
He was dedicated to his sports teams. We both rooted for different teams, but we also both rooted for teams that challenged our dedication.
He was dedicated to having fun. We had a lot of laughs together. Whether it was Rapid Runway Repair in MOPP during 12-hour exercises on base, ‘burger burns’ for the squadron or in the Top Three booth at the carnival, Mark could make you smile.
Mark was dedicated to his community and to his Lord. He knew he had a purpose bigger than himself in this world.
Because of Mark’s dedication, his community, his church, his family and I have all benefited and have led much richer lives. Thank you, Mark, for all you have given us and all you will continue to give. You are missed, and I am better off for having known you.
Mark and I meet while stationed at Luke AFB, Mark was never at a loss for words.
We would often meet at the chow hall for lunch and discuss what was going on in our shops and lives,
Mark was always willing to help others, I am proud to have called him my friend, and brother in arms.
Rest In Peace Mark.
I am so sorry for your loss. Mark was one of the hardest working men I’ve met. He was always there to lend a hand. He was a key member of the Luke CES Structures shop and he will be sorely missed.
God bless to Mark’s family. Mark was a great classmate and team mate at Galway. RIP Mark.