Michael Joseph D’Ambra, age 63, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away on December 12, 2025, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Born on March 21, 1962, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Michael was the son of Rudolph Francis D’Ambra and Matilda Lucy Simpson.
On August 29, 1987, Michael married the love of his life, Diane Lynn Yingling. Together they shared 38 years of marriage. Michael was a devoted husband and an immensely proud father.
He is survived by his mother, Matilda Lucy Simpson; his wife, Diane Lynn Yingling D’Ambra; his son, Christopher D’Ambra; his daughter, Nicole D’Ambra (Sadie Zuminsky); his sisters, Christine D’Ambra (Nick Roth), Mary Rey, and Joanne Wehunt (Chris Wehunt); his brothers, David D’Ambra (Judy D’Ambra), Stephen D’Ambra (Beth D’Ambra), Charles D’Ambra (Carole D’Ambra), and Mark D’Ambra (Andrea D’Ambra); his uncle, Joseph Simpson (Karen Simpson); his aunt, Freddie Simpson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Rudolph Francis D’Ambra; his uncle, Richard Simpson; and his grandmother, Matilda Kay Simpson.
Michael devoted his life to service, family, and excellence. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1982-1983 as an Electrician’s Mate Third Class. From 1983 to 1987, he attended the United States Naval Academy. He served aboard the USS John Marshall (SSN-811) from 1989 to 1992 as part of the decommissioning crew, holding multiple roles, including Nuclear Engineer Officer (Electrical), Reactor Controls Assistant, and Nuclear Engineer Officer (Main Propulsion). He later served at Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic (COMSUBLANT) as a Staff Plans Officer from 1992 to 1994.
In 1994, Michael continued his dedication to the Navy as a civilian with NELODET, where he managed in-service engineering agent program support requirements and guided the Navy Logistics Officer Detachment Engineering Division. He remained in this role with distinction until 2023. From 2023 to 2025, he worked at L3Harris, continuing his lifelong commitment to engineering.
Michael’s professionalism and leadership were recognized through numerous honors, including the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Defense Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the Department of the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award- the second-highest honor a civilian can receive from the Department of the Navy.
Outside of his professional life, Michael found joy in golfing, reading, traveling, and experiencing the world. His favorite place was Walt Disney World, and he truly remained a kid at heart. Above all else, Michael valued his family and friends and would do anything for them.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Tampa General Hospital, whose compassion, professionalism, and care made them feel as though Michael was their only patient during this difficult journey.
A memorial service will be held at the United States Naval Academy at a future date. Michael will be interred at the United States Naval Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation, P.O. Box 62066, Durham, NC 27715.
Diane and family,
Our hearts are heavy as we send our most sincere condolences. Mike’s kind, easy going, positive way will be missed. This physical world is losing a wonderful man. Your love for each other is apparent in so many ways. We are sending prayers and peaceful healing karma your way.
Leona and Mike Stepaniak