GORDON AMBACH Obituary

Name: Memorial service for GORDON AMBACH
Start: 2018-06-16T14:30:00.000Z
Location: First Presbyterian Church

AMBACH--Gordon MacKay,

of New Haven, CT, died peacefully at home on Friday, May 25. He was a warm and inspiring leader who took an interest in everyone he met. Through his long career in education policy and administration, he led initiatives at the state, national and international levels to strengthen teaching and learning and ensure access to high quality education for all. As Commissioner of Education for New York State from 1977-1987, he oversaw the development and implementation of the Regents Action Plan, the most comprehensive school reform plan in the nation at the time. He continued his advocacy for education and for the arts as the Executive Director of the Council of Chief State School Officers in Washington, DC from 1987-2001 and as the US Representative to the International Educational Evaluation Association. In retirement, he was a dedicated board member of the Wallace Foundation, the Smithsonian Institution, and the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. Born in 1934 in Providence, RI to Russell and Ethel Ambach, Gordon received a BA from Yale in 1956 and a MAT and Certificate of Advanced Study in Education Administration from Harvard. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Lucy Emory Ambach, his three children and their spouses, Kenneth and Eileen Ambach, Alison and Christopher Illick, and Douglas and Kirsten Ambach, and 10 adored grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, New Haven on Saturday, June 16 at 10:30am. Memorial gifts can be made to the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, 4 Hamilton Street, New Haven, CT 06511, or to Yale University, Office of Development, PO Box 2038, New Haven, CT 06521, for undergraduate financial aid.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Jun. 3, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for GORDON AMBACH

8 Entries

Elizabeth Stone

May 28, 2025

He was my social studies teacher in 8th grade at the Wheatley School in Old Westbury, NY. I remember him as a warm, highly knowledgeable and accessible teacher who was easy to admire. I was heartened to learn about how high he rose in the world of education. All of us are so lucky to have known him and benefited from this immensely talented man.

Cheryl Tibbals

June 30, 2018

Gordon was a creative and masterful leader with unrelenting energy and absolute dedication to improving education for all students in this country. No one knew more about the importance of education policy and the role it could play in achieving educational equity than Gordon. I learned more about education policy in the first year at the Council of Chief State School Officers under Gordons leadership than I had in the 15 years prior working at the state and national levels. Gordon was also a leader in arts education nationally and his imprint in this area will long be remembered. On a personal level, Gordon was also a generous person who was willing to share all he knew with those who asked. I extend my condolences to Lucy and the family.

June 30, 2018

Lucy and family, Gordon was a giant in the education community and we respected him greatly. We are saddened to hear of his passing and send out sincerest condolences to you and the family. We both enjoyed working with him during our time in DC. Billie and Tony Rollins

Jeff Smink

June 7, 2018

Gordon was my first boss at CCSSO and had a huge influence on my career. Even though I was young and inexperienced, Gordon took an interest in me and even helped me get into graduate school. His influence on education policy cannot be overstated and continues to play a major role in ensuring that we uphold high standards and supports for all students. Thank you, Gordon, and rest in peace.

June 7, 2018

May his memories live on in the hearts and prayers of love ones bringing comfort and solace to mourning family and friends as he R.I.P

Elizabeth Stone

June 7, 2018

Gordon Ambach was my 8th grade social studies teacher at the Wheatley School in Old Westbury, NY (1958-9). He must have been just a newly minted college graduate though quickly, a very fine and respected teacher as well as a genuinely lovely man. Although he only remained at Wheatley only a few short years, I am heartened to read about the stellar career he developed upon leaving. Sincere condolences to his family upon their great loss of this wonderful man.

Joan Slafsky

June 3, 2018

From the time Gordon walked into my 2nd grade classroom at John Howkand School, I knew how special he was. By sixth grade When he was class president I was sure he would be POTUS.. tho may not have known those initials. Happy memories through high school with him and my buddy ( occasional bfriend )Richard Abedon as they slaughtered them in basketball and tennis. Had privilege of lunching and driving him thru old haunts/ familiar spots of Providence -( Astral Ave) when he received honorary degree Rhode Island College about 20 yrs ago. A great inspirational friend who made a difference for so many!
Joan Slafsky ( John Howland 46, Nathan Bishop 48, Hope High 52.) we were at Smith and Yale -same time56 but our memories go back to experiencing growing up in Providence!

Sharon Saez

June 3, 2018

Hello Lucy and family,

I am so sorry for your loss and the loss the education community. As you know he was a true, leader, advocate and scholar. He will be missed. Prayers for Gordan, to you, and your family.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results