Obituary of Cynthia V. Ambrosi

Cynthia V. Ambrosi passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Sunday, April 25, 2021 in the comfort of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice in Fredon, NJ. She had shared 90 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, and amazing memories with family and friends.

Born in Mount Vernon, NY, she was raised in the Bronx by the late Ralph and Antoinetta Leone. She graduated from Christopher Columbus High School, Class of 1948. She married her soulmate and best friend, Narcisso “Nick” Ambrosi on February 10, 1951 in the Bronx. In 1956, the happy couple relocated to Denville, NJ, where they would raise their children and build their lives together. God blessed Nick and Cynthia with five amazing children, and it quickly became clear her true calling was to be a homemaker, taking care of her children and grandchildren; they lit up her world. Cynthia loved to cook, which was evident by her large collection of cookbooks. Anyone coming over to her house knew they were in for a real treat with a homemade meal, and of course, the love and attention of Cynthia. Not to mention, the generous leftovers she would send home with her guests.

Cynthia was Nick’s perfect dance partner. Together, they learned how to ballroom dance by taking weekly classes at Arthur Murray Dance Studio. At weddings or special occasions, their grace on the dance floor would often attract an audience, watching them as they swayed and swirled on the dance floor. Cynthia also loved swimming at the YMCA. She was very proud of the fact that she learned how to swim as an adult and made up for lost years by swimming laps almost every morning. Cynthia had a keen interest in health, nutrition, and fitness. She may have been Dr. Oz’s number one fan! She was a dedicated Catholic, and a member of Saint Mary’s Church in Denville for many years. When Cynthia and Nick moved to Rockaway Township, they joined Dine-Out club and also took advantage of living near the Rockaway Mall. After all, Cynthia did have a guilty pleasure – shopping! If there was sale, you could find her there indulging in retail therapy, which often included buying gifts for others.

It is so difficult to sum up 90 years of life for such a compassionate woman with a zest for life and a devotion to her family like no other. She has left us with a legacy of vitality, traditions, and important life skills that will be passed on for generations to come. She will be sorely missed and forever treasured in our hearts and souls, for those lucky enough to have been in her life.

She leaves a lifetime of joyful memories to her beloved husband of 70 years, Nick; her loving children, Jerry & Diane, Mike & Patty, Jim & Cathy, Chris & Lee, and Cathy & Lars; her cherished grandchildren, Matthew, Vanessa, Ashley, Chelsea, Emily, Laela, Jesse, Cara, and Stephanie; her treasured great-grandchildren, Everly, Cole, Claire, Blake, and one more on the way; and her half-brother, Nicholas & Joan DeSalvo. Cynthia is also survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as her special cousin, Phyliss & Tony.

She joins her brother, Robert & Teresa, and her parents in Heaven.

Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, April 29th at 1 pm at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville. Burial will follow at Denville Cemetery. Prior to Mass, Memorial Walkthrough Visitation will take place on Thursday, April 29th from 10 am - 12 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Memorial Donations are being accepted in Cynthia's memory to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, Attn: Riley, 99 Sparta Avenue, Newton, NJ 07860 or by clicking here. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice for the outstanding care and kindness they showed Mom in her final days. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Cynthia here to continue to celebrate the incredible life she endowed to us.

***For those that are unable to attend Mass - St. Mary's will be live-streaming via their website, https://stmarys-denville.org/ - or click here***