Obituary of Jack Ambrose

John "Jack" Ambrose, Jr., 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Whitehouse Station on Saturday, January 30, 2010. Jack was the son of the late John and Catherine (nee) Murray Ambrose, Sr. He was born in Newark, NJ and spent his childhood in Springfield. Always the "class clown", Jack began performing in regional theater and traveled much in his youth. He served in the United States Marine Corp. during the Korean Conflict. In the 1950's, he met and married Gloria "Tootie" Bush and settled in Whitehouse Station. Jack worked in the hospitality business for over 30 years, managing such establishments as the Town House and later Howard Johnson's restaurant in Somerville and ended his career as general manager of the Hearthstone Inn and Motor Lodge in Parsippany, NJ. An avid hunter and skier, Jack loved to engage in outdoor activities. A true renaissance man, he loved to travel and enjoyed fine dining, theater, the arts and cultural events. He was a man of unsurpassed character and integrity and will be well remembered for his good humor, sociability, sense of fairness and above all his strong devotion to his friends and family. He is survived by his two loving children, John H. Ambrose and wife, Kelly of Flemington and Diane M. Ambrose and husband, Vincent Smeraglia of Whitehouse Station. He is also survived by his adoring grandchildren, Dana Ramalho (18), John Ramalho (17), Daniel Hitchner (15), Jessica Ambrose (13), Matthew Hitchner (11) and Karoline Ambrose (5). He was predeceased by his devoted wife of 32 years, Gloria and his beloved daughter, Deborah. A funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 5, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. at the Kearns Funeral Home, 103 Old Highway 28, Whitehouse. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, February 4, 2010 from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jack's memory may be made to: Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation Tower Two, Fifth Floor 120 Albany Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901. www.cinjfoundation.org/make a gift/memtrib.html.