Peter Joseph Ambrose obituary, 1956-2016, Long Beach, CA

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Peter Joseph Ambrose

1956 - 2016

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Rita Hovey

September 2, 2019

Condolences to Peter's family. His late father was so very proud of him. He was too young. R.I.P.

somer helvac

July 2, 2019

I am from Turkey.
I am a pharmacist also.
I know Peter from his inspiring efforts for our profession. I first realized his career in 2015 while I was searching for Sports Pharmacy. His great jobs for Sports Pharmacy improvement are still guiding us. If there will be a Sports Pharmacy expertise in Turkey, thanks to Peter.

With my deep Condolences to his family.

Somer Helvaci

Amanda Ambrose

November 5, 2016

If any of my dad's friends, relatives, colleagues, or students would like holiday cards from his daughters (myself and my sister Amy), please email me your address at [email protected].

August 21, 2016

Peter and I worked together at Memorial Medical Center in Long Beach in the 80's. I remember that he was always a pleasure to work with in kinetics as it related to direct patient care as well as was Art. While I moved east in the early 90's I did continue to read about Peters continued advancement and good fortune with respect to teaching, students and the Olympics. I remember so good happy hours with Peter an the crew at Memorial. I was saddened to hear about his passing and to the family please accept my condolences as you move forward with your lives.

Kevin J. Rivers, Pharm.D, MAD-ID

Virginia Meyer-Lai

August 4, 2016

What a great Pharmacy School classmate Peter was. Always upbeat and smiling and enjoying life. I was so very saddened to hear of his passing and send my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Kathy Orrico

July 30, 2016

Peter was the quintessential professional and friend! The Olympics just won't be the same without his grace and tales from the field!
Love and Light

Amanda Ambrose

July 28, 2016

Hi Everyone,

Thank you all for the lovely memories of my dad. He was truly an amazing person.

I put together a slideshow from the pictures that everyone sent me. I was not able to play it at the reception, but would love to send it to anyone that would like to see it.

Feel free to reach out if you would like to see pictures of my dad with his colleagues and family.

If you've already reached out with your email, I will send it to you.

Thank you all again for the outpouring of love and support for my dad.

Arman Haghighatgoo

July 26, 2016

Peter was a truly amazing person. I was one of his students in the LA/OC site in 2012-2013 and also had the privilege of taking his sports pharmacy rotation. That rotation gave me a chance to spend some quality time with Peter. After our long days on campus testing, he would take us out to dinner and we had some memorable talks. I'll never forget Peter going around the table, addressing each one of us individually and highlighting our strengths and praising us for our hard work. He had something very personal to tell each one of us. He reassured me that I had a good head on my shoulders and was a bright kid, and that I would do a great job in residency. Those words meant the world to me, coming from someone I respected and looked up to as a professional but even more importantly- as a genuine, selfless, and compassionate human being. I fondly remember sharing jokes and sports stories on our long rides, and Peter's one-of-a-kind laugh reverberates in my head every time I think of him. My deepest condolences to his family.

Natalie Whitmire

July 25, 2016

Peter will be so missed. He was an excellent mentor who went above and beyond for his students. His personality and passion for teaching were like none other. Deepest sympathy to his family.

Dan and Pat Ross

July 24, 2016

Our deepest condolences to the Ambrose family. I worked with Peter almost 30 years ago and he was astoundingly smart, always happy and chipper and had an amazingly quit wit. He never changed - as our paths crossed over the years it was always like it had just been a few days since we last talked and it could have been years. He will be sorely missed by all whose path he crossed.

Tony Nguyen

July 23, 2016

Peter was a great preceptor, educator and friend. He will be missed.

Uyen Duong

July 23, 2016

Dr. Ambrose was a wonderful, passionate educator whose laughter lit up the room. He genuinely cared for his students and always respected what they had to say. His energy and compassion will be missed.

May Chan

July 23, 2016

My deepest condolences. Peter was an excellent preceptor and mentor. His laughter and passion for life always filled the room. My thoughts and prayers are with the Ambrose family.

Wendy Wong

July 22, 2016

I am shocked and saddened . Peter: thank you for all that you've done for UCSF and pharmacy.

Bernard Roa III

July 22, 2016

As Michelle's coworker at CSULB, I recall meeting Peter in June 2010 when he visited me in my room at Long Beach Memorial Hospital on the day after my cancer surgery. I liked him, immediately. And, I am eternally grateful to Peter for the encouragement that he gave me. Forever, I shall hold Peter and Michelle in my heart.

Sally Pennypacker

July 22, 2016

Our deepest sympathies. Peter was a smart, funny vibrant man and he will be missed!

Regina Romano

July 21, 2016

We are shocked and saddened by the loss of our beloved cousin Peter. He was an amazing man brilliant and sweet with a laugh that would fill the room. Although we live on two different coasts he still managed to bring us together for a family reunion in 2008. We will miss him dearly. Much love and our deepest condolences to the Ambrose family.

Sandy Choi

July 21, 2016

Dr. Peter Ambrose was someone who touched the lives of so many people, including mine. Even 9 years later, I remember his warmth and passion as a pharmacist and preceptor for the LA/OC program. He will be missed.

Siu Fun Wong

July 21, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with Peter's family. I have known Peter since my student days and treasure the guidance he provided. I am blessed to continually receive his wisdom in pharmacokinetics and learn about his fascinating drug testing role for the Olympians. I will miss his contagious laugh and personality. Thank you, Peter, for being part of my life.

Eric Skier

July 21, 2016

Had the pleasure and honor to first meet Peter (and Michelle) here in Tokyo about 10 years ago. He was a great role model for me as a young teacher-researcher and was always so kind to my students. May he RIP.

July 20, 2016

Lynda Nguyen

July 20, 2016

I share my deepest condolences to Dr. Ambrose's family. He was my rotation coordinator and research project mentor in 2008-2009. I will always remember his humor and most of all his generosity. When I had expressed sudden interest in doing a rotation on the east coast that would involve a lot of paperwork, he graciously volunteered time during his winter break to email me about how to start the process. I will also remember how students from UCSF and other schools competed for a coveted spot in his sports medicine rotation. I'll be thinking of his Olympics stories when I watch the Rio Olympics.

Glen And Ronda Placencia

July 19, 2016

I am truly saddened by Peters passing. He was my friend since 1967. I was in his wedding and he was in mine. He was Godfather to my son Steven. His smile, laugh, and quick wit were contagious. I thank The Lord that he was a part of my life. My memories of our experiences together will forever bring a smile to my face. My condolences and heartfelt sympathy goes to the entire Ambrose family. Rest In Peace my adopted Native Brother.

Glen Placencia, Soboba Indian Reservation

July 19, 2016

My deepest sympathy to Shelly, Amanda, Amy and all the family. While I have known about Peter's passing for awhile, I still am so saddened and shocked by the reality. I have so many great memories of Peter - how much he cared and the many funny things he said and did that I will always treasure. He was a great boss during a time in my career that I will always remember as the most enjoyable time of all.

Janice Fischer

July 19, 2016

My deepest condolences to Peter's family. His warmth and wit lit up so many lives, including mine. Yes, he was a very special pharmacist and a very special person. We are all so fortunate to have had him in our world. He will be missed and remembered by many.

Lindsay Gordon

July 19, 2016

To the Ambrose Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Peter was a great mentor to me as an LA/OC rotator. I was lucky enough to learn closely from him in both his PK and Sports Pharmacy rotations. His passing is such a devastating shock. Peter, you made an indelible mark on the lives of countless students. A piece of you lives on in each of us. You helped make us the pharmacists and people we are today. You will be greatly missed for your knowledge, wisdom, friendship, mentorship, and that hearty laugh.

Terri Jones

July 19, 2016

Pete, I can't believe you're gone. May you rest in peace my friend. Your smile and humor always lit up the room. So many great memories. Love you man.
Michelle, and all of Petes family I have no words that can express the sorrow I feel in my heart for your loss. He was one of the good ones. Thanks for sharing him with us over the years.

William Alger

July 18, 2016

Bro:
From lifting weights at the gym together after class in pharmacy school, challenging each other during clinical pharmacy conference classes.... and yes... flexing our muscles in pharmacy class for all to see when the teacher had their back to us..... and then 25 years later to finally enjoying vacationing together and sitting by a fire pit and talking about life.
I will miss you bro.......

- William Alger

Catherine Chinnici

July 18, 2016

As your Aunt, I was there for your birth and saw you grow up to be the man and rock of your family. Gone too soon from this earth, but never forgotten. Rest in Peace. To his family, my prayers go out to you in sympathy and love.

Amanda Ambrose

July 18, 2016

Hello again to everyone here and thank you for writing such wonderful words about my dad. Since my last post is buried several pages deep, I wanted to reiterate that I would love pictures and stories about my dad if anyone would like to share them with me. For his service, we are making a slideshow and want to include as many of his loved ones (that includes colleagues, students, friends, and family) as possible. Please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]

-Amanda Ambrose

Vonetta Augustine

July 18, 2016

I am sorry for your lost Michelle. My heart goes out to you and your love ones. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Love Vonetta

Marie Schroeder

July 18, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss Michelle! words cannot begin to express all you are going thru. God bless you and your family.

Judy Shigemitsu

July 18, 2016

Words cannot convey the profound sense of loss I feel with Peter's passing. He was such a great mentor and role model for me in CSHP. His enthusiasm was so contagious. He was a great preceptor and role model for my daughter too as she entered the Pharmacy profession. We will miss Peter's great smiles and friendship. His kindness and fun spirit will always be remembered.
Our deepest condolences to Michelle and the Ambrose Family.

Laura Day

July 17, 2016

My heart breaks for you, Michelle. I am so glad that you had Peter in your life, he made you happier than I had ever seen you prior to your meeting him. He has been in my prayers since we spoke earlier this week and so have you. God bless Peter and may he Rest In Peace. Love you, Laura

Lee Mason

July 17, 2016

I was in my mid 60's when Peter came into my life. He and my daughter, Shelly were Married a few years later.
His warmth and intellect were clear from our very first meeting. I was so proud to have him in our family.
I have read the words of many respected medical professionals, citing Peter's accolades.
As an Aerospace Engineer,I would like to say that Peter would have been outstanding in any field he chose. Yet his intelligence and analytical mind are just part of the picture.
Wit, humor, warmth, nurturing, God-fearing, familial love and an urge to leave everyone who met him, the better for having met him. Any of us would be happy to approach Heaven with Peter's set of credentials.

chi pham

July 17, 2016

Tremendous loss, profound sadness.

Rita Shane

July 17, 2016

Peter was an outstanding professional, respected colleague and great friend. His expertise and delightful personality along with his caring about patients, people and the profession made him a very special person. We were all very fortunate to have him in our lives and will miss him very much.

Peter proud of his students (as usual)

Amanda Ambrose

July 16, 2016

Mary Gallardo

July 15, 2016

I never had the pleasure of meeting Peter but I have worked with his sister, Kathy Ambrose, and she spoke so highly of her brother and the type of person he was. She would share the funniest memories and make us laugh. I imagine that he was an amazing person and had been surrounded by an amazing family and friends. I wish you all healing and peace. His legacy lives on through his family and all whole loved him. God bless the Ambrose family.

Kathy, I love you and we will always lift you up when you're sad! Peter is free and resting with the lord. One day you will meet again.

James Colbert

July 15, 2016

When I heard of Peter's passing, I was immediately moved to tears. He has been a friend, colleague, and mentor for 39 years. He was in the class ahead of me at UCSF. He was an outstanding clinician and professional, and an even better person. He was simply, the best. My deepest condolences to the Ambrose family.

Maria Longo

July 15, 2016

Friday, July 15, 2016
I am truly sorry for the loss of a great mentor and a great loss to our pharmacy community. Dr Ambrose was always so positive and wonderful to the remote preceptors in the UCSF program and I will always appreciate him as a person and great mentor.
I am truly honored to have known him and I am thinking of his family in this sad time.

Maria Longo

July 15, 2016

I am truly sorry for the loss of a great mentor and a great loss to our pharmacy community. Dr Ambrose was always so positive and wonderful to the remote preceptors in the UCSF program and I will always appreciate him as a person and great mentor.
I am truly honored to have known him and I am thinking of his family in this sad time.

Angie Koo

July 15, 2016

Peter couldn't have been a better mentor, preceptor, or friend. He was involved in my career in more ways than I can count. In fact, the medical team at my current institution dubbed me as the "vanco czar," and when they call me that, I am always reminded of Peter and how he humorously and selflessly taught me and so many others. The thing I will remember most about him is his kindness: when UCSF asked me to fly from LA to SF for an awards dinner, he immediately offered to pay for my flight because he knew that such a last minute flight would be a burden on a student budget. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

Bob Stein

July 15, 2016

Deepest condolences to Peter's family. I worked with Peter for several years at LBMMC, and he was always upbeat and smiling like in that photo on the left. He had a quick wit and great sense of humor, and our profession and planet have lost a great guy.

Aram Shamilian

July 15, 2016

When I heard the passing of my dear friend, I was so saddened and disturbed I couldn't fight off my tears. I feel a great loss. He gave so much to everyone around him.
I met Peter in 1993 at Long Beach. He was to be my preceptor for the next 6 weeks. By noontime that day we were best of friends. I think we went out for happy hour after work that same day. The next several years our friendship peaked. We both liked sports, so we got to travel to all kinds of campuses and venues together. He would ask me to join him for drug testing trips because he knew I enjoyed being around athletes. He was present at my wedding and my kids Christening.
Peter was a great friend to me. He did so much more for me than I could have ever done for him. But I think that's how he was with everyone. That was his nature. He loved people. He loved and adored his family. He was so caring of his daughters. When I became a parent, he was my role model.
Farewell my big brother. Thank you for everything. I will miss you.

Robert Levin

July 15, 2016

We are all truly celebrating a life well lived. You have been an inspirational role model for the profession of pharmacy. I will really miss your friendship, and all the good times we had together celebrating at pharmacy functions. We will all cherish your memories forever.

Tom Kearney

July 15, 2016

I had the privilege of knowing Peter since we were classmates and then as faculty colleagues at the UCSF School of Pharmacy. My memories of Peter are very fond and date back to our Toga party as students in the late 1970's to his highly successful stewardship guiding our volunteer faculty program and attaining the distinction as Pharmacist of the Year . He was extremely approachable with a distinctive laugh and endeared students and colleagues alike. I considered Peter as a close friend. My deepest sympathies to his family and to all of us who miss him dearly.

July 15, 2016

Peter with his dorm buds, Spring 1977

July 15, 2016

Kirby Lim

July 15, 2016

My sincerest condolences to his family. Peter was a great inspiration and awesome mentor. He truly set high standards for all to aspire. Will miss his stories and laughter.

Me and my bro'

Manny Saltiel

July 15, 2016

Thoughts and images are flying through my head. My heart hurts. My soul cries out. I lost my bro'. My first roommate. The guy who who gave me the confidence to believe in what I can accomplish. Who showed me (and so many others) how to laugh and how to love life. I see him smiling broadly. I hear him laughing. What a loss to his family! To the UCSF family! What a loss to humanity!! Rest in peace my brother, in G-d's warm embrace, and know that you helped so many people maintain their sanity and direction.

Marisol Guerra

July 15, 2016

My heart weighs so heavy with sadness, Peter...it was truly an honor to have been your assistant these past 10yrs. I will miss you so very much...I can still hear you laugh and cracking jokes and I know you will continue to do so in heaven...safe travels, Peter.

Glenn Yokoyama

July 15, 2016

We will miss you, Peter, your knowledge, experience, your straightforwardness, and your warmth. Our prayers are with you.

Felix Pham

July 15, 2016

Thank you Peter for mentoring me as a student and partnering me as a colleague. Your work in progressive pharmacy practice inspires me. I will miss you.

Lee Cantrell

July 15, 2016

Peter was truly a great colleague, mentor and friend. I always enjoyed sharing a meal, a pint (or two) and a few laughs whenever we got together in San Francisco. I will always fondly remember our times together.

Richard Bray

July 14, 2016

You will be greatly missed my friend. My heart goes out to your family. Rest in peace.

Helen & Shirley Ferretta

July 14, 2016

Our hearts are so heavy with the news of Peters passing. Our condolence and deepest Sympathy go out to the family. My fondest memory of Peter is that he was a family man, he always put his family first. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. Thoughts and prayers to the family

Fran Kane

July 14, 2016

Peter, I cannot believe you're gone. You will truly be missed. I am so glad I got to see you at our little family reunions at Gina's house. Those memories are even more precious now. As we often would talk about our childhood adventures every time we saw each other, this one was always one of our favorites. We were at grandpa's house in Queens. Madeline and Kathy did not want us little ones hanging around and bugging them, so you asked me to run away with you. I would have followed you to the moon and back because I so looked up to you ..so off we went. We were gone for some time walking through the neighborhood and then you suggested we head back home. (I think you were hungry because you smelled grandma's sauce cooking!) When we got to grandpa's gatethere he was waiting for us. Yeah, we got a good spanking, you first, then me. As we both ran in the backyard, we looked at each other, you asked me if I was OK and we both just starting laughing. We laughed so hard and for the rest of that day we had the giggles every time we looked at each other. Love that! As a teenager, when I came to visit, I will never forget our drive on your motorcycle. We drove to the mountains and there you showed me your favorite spot and view. I will meet you there cousin, someday again! My prayers and thoughts go out to Aunt Stephany, Kathy, Michelle, Amanda and Amy.

Mary Damazio

July 13, 2016

My Heartfelt prayers and thoughts to the family during this difficult time.

Tia Desplancke

July 13, 2016

Peter was a wonderful boss, friend and human being. He really went to the mat for me when my daughter was ill and I could never thank him enough. My condolences to his precious Michelle and his beautiful daughters.

Adriel Guitron

July 13, 2016

You're going to be greatly missed by your friends from the old neighborhood. Rest in Peace Peter. Until we meet again.

Lynne Ferretta-Williams

July 13, 2016

So sorry to hear of Peters passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family. I haven't seen Peter in a long time, but remember hanging out with him and his sister Kathy when we were young. My mom and dad were very dear friends with his parents. Love and hugs to you all

Day at the zoo

Amanda Ambrose

July 13, 2016

Amy's birthday

Amanda Ambrose

July 13, 2016

Peter and Amy on her birthday

Amanda Ambrose

July 13, 2016

4 Generations

Amanda Ambrose

July 13, 2016

Amanda Ambrose

July 13, 2016

Always a mama's boy

Amanda Ambrose

July 13, 2016

Anitra Whittington-Kalagian

July 13, 2016

I've known Pete since high school. He made every gathering special with his quick wit and hilarious story telling. Deepest condolences to his beatiful wife and children, we will all miss him.

A photo for the Memorial Hospital Calendar

Amanda Ambrose

July 13, 2016

The Ambrose clan

Amanda Ambrose

July 13, 2016

Always goofing off

Amanda Ambrose

July 13, 2016

Daddy and daughter time

Amanda Ambrose

July 13, 2016

Halloween with the family

Amanda Ambrose

July 13, 2016

Peter and his girls

Amanda Ambrose

July 13, 2016

Amanda Ambrose

July 13, 2016

If anyone has photos of my dad or questions about his service please send me an email at [email protected].

Thanks.

-Amanda

Pat and Harriet Catania

July 13, 2016

Peter was the perfect colleague. I learned from him and enjoyed working with him during his many years of service to the Western States Conference for Pharmacy Residents at Asilomar. Harriet and my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very sad time.

Elizabeth Keesey

July 12, 2016

So sad to read of his passing. Peter was my RAMPS mentor while I was a student at UCSF and although I didn't get to meet with him often in person his encouragement and passion for pharmacy was evident and impressive even over email! I know he will be greatly missed.

Joel Weber

July 12, 2016

You will greatly be missed. A mentor, true professional, and a friend to many.Your family . your friends, and the profession of pharmacy has last a great individual. So happy to have had the opportunity to know and work with you over the years.

Kristine McGill

July 12, 2016

You will be missed greatly, Peter. Thank you for all of your support through UCSF and into my career - I always looked forward to seeing your smiling face at CSHP. To Peter's daughters and wife - his eyes would light up whenever he spoke of you. I extend my deepest condolences to you during this very difficult time.

Grandma's 90th birthday

Amanda Ambrose

July 12, 2016

Stephanie Mazariego

July 12, 2016

My deepest condolences. My warmest thoughts and heart goes out to you all in this difficult time.

Kenn Horowitz

July 12, 2016

I have known Peter for many decades. He has always been the consummate professional, educator, and friend to many of us. He was dedicated to UCSF, to LBMMC and to the Pharmacy Profession. He will surely be missed. My prayers and thoughts go to Peter's family in this time of sadness.

Carissa Leon

July 12, 2016

You are and always will be my favorite uncle.You Always put others needs before your own and made sure that our family was a priority. You always made sure that we all made time for each other for the holidays and it will not be the same without you. Thank you for always giving me the best advice in life and showing me how important family and education is. You're such an awesome role model and I can't wait to see you again one day. Until then, I know you will be watching over the family and you will be with us in spirit. I love you uncle.

Cindy Odegard

July 11, 2016

Peter will truly be missed. He did so much for our Pharmacy Profession in California. As a student many years ago, he was my most favorite preceptor. I admired his knowledge and considered Peter to be a role model for all that followed.

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