Michael Ambrose IV

1966 - 2020

Michael John Ambrose IV
Michael John Ambrose IV (also affectionately known by "Mickey" to his family, "Am" to his closest friends, and by "Mike" to everyone else), passed away suddenly on July 6th, 2020. Mike died while doing one of his many favorite things, lifting weights at the gym. Born in Bridgeport, CT on May 14th, 1966, Mike was the son of Margaret Rose Macker (Rivnack) and Michael John Ambrose III. Mike was a graduate of Kolbe Cathedral High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Management from Colorado Technical University in 1996, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. In 1991 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and relocated to Colorado Springs, CO. While in the Air Force, Mike worked most notably as a Lead Satellite Ground Controller/Instructor, as well as a Simulation Engineer. During his tenure in the Air Force, Mike earned multiple awards, including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Certificate of Highly Qualified Satellite Operations Ground System Operator for Exceptional Performance, and the National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1998 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 1998, Mike moved his family to the Boston area and began working for the Smithsonian Institution in Cambridge, MA as the Manager of Satellite Ground System Operator and IT Specialist. One of Mike's proudest reflections of his experience there was overseeing the ground operations for the launch of the Chandra X-ray Observatory in 1999. While in the Boston area, Mike also pursued and earned a degree in Landscape Design from the Landscape Institute at Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Mike was outgoing, charismatic, and full of life. His passions included spending quality time with his two sons, gardening, landscape design, ethnic foods, cooking, traveling (he particularly loved the US Southwest), and of course the gym. He was an avid weight-lifter and former power-lifter, having competed in the North American Strongman Nationals in 2007. He was a devoted father, loving partner, brother, and son, and loyal friend to countless people stretching back to the early years of his life. One of Mike's very favorite phrases, which so aptly shows his flair for life, is from the movie Auntie Mame: "Life's a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!" Mike is survived by his Life Partner of 10 years and fiancee, Gordon Robbins, of Norfolk, MA, his two sons, Weston Ambrose and Michael John Ambrose V, both of Millis, MA, his mother Margaret Macker, his father Michael John Ambrose III, his sister Misty and her husband David Reyes, his brother Damien Csech, his sister Courtney Csech, his sister Gabrielle Ambrose, and two brothers, Nathaniel and Mathew Ambrose, all of whom reside in the Bridgeport, CT area. From Mom: Michael, you will always be my baby. From everybody: Your smile, sense of humor and the twinkle in your eyes will not be forgotten.