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John D'Ambra Obituary
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Jeff
February 25, 2025
I still remember how animated you got when it came to Shakespeare. You were an outstanding teacher. Rest in peace, Mr. D.
Radha Ramanathan
February 16, 2009
I was so deeply saddened to hear about Mr. D'Ambra's passing. He was my English Teacher at NV over 20 years ago. I absolutely loved his class. I ended up majoring in English in college because Mr. D'Ambra taught me how to appreciate great literature. I will never forget the impact he has had on my education. He was a wonderful teacher and mentor.
Deborah Pisani-Kip
February 12, 2009
I had Mr. D'Ambra for English back in the 70's. He was the best English teacher I ever had. He challenged me to be the best I could be!!! I never thought I would be able to attain an "A" in his class. But, when I did, I knew I reached success!
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and this most difficult time.
John Bennett
February 4, 2009
I took an English class with John D'Ambra in 1970 and it was a time of awakening for me. He was a great teacher who exuded affection and respect for all of his students. He challenged, entertained and inspired us, and taught us to see the magic in literature and poetry. I was an English major in college, and it was in no small measure due to my very fortunate opportunity to learn from John D'Ambra. My deepest condolences to his family.
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Marion (Giangola) Witte
February 3, 2009
I just learned of Mr. D'Ambra's passing (funny that I still have to call him Mr after all these years). I vividly remember great discussions about literature while sitting out in the trailers at NVRHS Demarest. Mr. D'Ambra motivated all of us to think beyond the story line and form our own opinions. He is one of the teachers I always think of fondly. He and his talents will be missed.
Amy Fox
January 23, 2009
Mr. D'Ambra was a teacher of mine close to thirty years ago and yet I can vividly remember his acuity of mind, twinkling eyes, love of learning, brilliance with words, and amazing commitment to teaching. I was moved by his passion for the uniqueness and preciousness of each student and his generous attention for the unfoldings in our lives. He was the absolute best of what a teacher can be: beloved, learned, poetic, and alive with wanting to bring out the best in us. I am grateful to have known him and to have had the blessing of his wisdom, encouragement and mentorship. I am sure that all my fellow 1981 NVRHS graduates all send our condolences and prayers for healing to his family and friends.
Stephanie Doody-Castiglia
January 23, 2009
My deepest sympathies go out to Coach/Mr. D'Ambra's family. I too had the opportunity to have him as both a coach and a teacher. What I remember most was his patience. Coaching teenage girls tennis is not an easy task by any means, yet he never lost his cool. As I read through the other postings, I realize that he not only had an impact on my life but on so many others students as well. He will be missed.
Jerry Mindes
January 22, 2009
My deepest sympathies to John's family. He was my teacher and so much more. He helped me to believe in my own intelligence. To this day -- 35 years since high school (class of '73) -- I can vividly recall discussions we had, and fondly remember his role as an advisor on student government panels and the student newspaper. Simply put, he made a difference.
Bill drogo
January 20, 2009
I am very saddened to hear of the death of a man who was a good friend and classmate at BC. We were in many classes together and shared a love for the BC athletic teams. We played Intramural football and basketball. My prayers and condolences to John's wife and family. Bill Drogo
John Gribbin
January 20, 2009
I am shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of John who was a classmate of mine at both Bergen Catholic High School and Manhattan College. I am sorry that I was not in touch with him in recent years. He was a good friend and a good man. My sympathy is with his family. He was taken too soon.
Heather Fox
January 20, 2009
Mr. D'Ambra was my senior year English teacher and my tennis coach and at NVRHS Demarest from '82-'86. I was deeply saddened and shocked to learn of his death.
Mr. D'Ambra made class fun, even as it was challenging. He was warm, caring, and very smart. He was also very approachable and always took a personal interest in his students lives. Mr.D'Ambra made a true difference not only in how I now write but also in how I felt about myself. Given I was a teenager at the time, the latter was likely more important!
There are always a handful of teachers that touch you throughout your schooling. Those you will always remember and who you think about every so often. Mr. D'Ambra has always been one of those teachers for me and I deeply regret never telling him this. I hope his children, mother, wife, siblings, and other family and friends take pride in knowing how many students he touched and changed for the better. He was loved and admired by many youth for years. As adults, we still love and admire him and we will not forget him.
I wish all of his family and friends my condolences. May his memory be a blessing.
Fondly,
Heather Fox
Meredith Cudrin
January 19, 2009
I was so saddened to hear of Mr. D'Ambra's passing. He was a huge part of my life at NVRHS from 1986-1990. Not only did I have the pleasure of playing tennis for him for four years, but I also was lucky to have him as an English teacher. Mr. D'Ambra was a mentor and good friend who had a huge impact on so many aspects of my life. My condolences go out to his family. He will be sorely missed.
Holly Levinson
January 19, 2009
Mr. D'Ambra was an institution at NVRHS and he had a tremendous impact on my life. I was one of the lucky ones who had him both as my English teacher and tennis coach. There simply aren't enough words to describe how much I respected him or to articulate the many valuable lessons he taught me. He was a fantastic teacher - super sharp, incredibly hardworking, engaging, challenging and very funny. He was a tremendous coach and mentor as well. He really knew the game of tennis, but what he knew better than anything was how to connect with his student-athletes. He motivated us, challenged us, helped us, laughed with us....and even shaved his beard and mustache for us on a bet when we won the Bergen County Tennis Tournament!
Mr. D'Ambra truly was a gem; he will be missed greatly but I always will remember him fondly and with deep appreciation. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.
Dorothy Demetriou
January 19, 2009
My deepest sympathies to my dear friends Jeanette, Ted and their family. God is holding his hand and he is in a better place along with my Gary. They have no more pain.
I love you.
Margaret (Krull) Benson
January 19, 2009
I am so sad to hear of the passing of Mr. D'Ambra. He was a wonderful teacher, and a great person to talk to. God bless all of you.
Paul Meagher
January 19, 2009
Mr. D'Ambra was a gifted teacher who developed my appreciation for fine literature. My thoughts are with his family.
Simon Sinek
January 19, 2009
Mr. D'Ambra had a profound impact on my life. I count him as one of the five most important people in my life who helped mold me into the person I am now. I was deeply saddened to hear he had passed away. My thoughts are with his family.
Kurt and Ute Eise
January 18, 2009
Dear Carole, we are so saddened by John's death. We remember him as a wonderful neighbor, laughingly passing us by on our walks, always being positive and we certainly remember his valiant fight. - We pray all of God's blessings upon you and the family to find peace in this trying time. With deepest sympathy, KURT and UTE EISE
Eric Kutzin
January 18, 2009
My deepest condolences go out to John's family and friends. I played tennis for Coach D'Ambra from 1993-1996 and can't say enough about how enjoyable he made the experience for our team. He was a great influence on all of us, and he will be missed dearly. The world has lost a wonderful person and my thoughts and prayers go out to all those close with John.
S Gray
January 18, 2009
Mr. D'Ambra was a great teacher! Thank you for your positive influence on my life.
Cathy Coniglio
January 18, 2009
My daughters had the wonderful experience of having John as a teacher at NVD and I had the pleasure of working with him when I was a substitute.
He was the epitome of an excellent teacher and a gentleman to all.
My sincere condolences and prayers to his wife and daughters.
Cynthia Shechter
January 18, 2009
Mr. D'Ambra was a wonderful teacher. I owe my undergraduate success to him. I am sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his friends and family.
Connie Hochberg
January 18, 2009
John has a special place in my memories of NVRHS. We were colleagues in the faculty. I admired his strong morality and kindness to all of us, but especially the esteem in which he held his students.
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