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-611) 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
Diane snd family, words cannot express my sadness and shock about Mike. We always enjoyed our times with you both. I am so sorry to hear he had brain cancer. May he rest in peace and be free of pain. He will be with you always, look for the signs. , Love, Don and Vivian Babcock
Diane,
We have so many wonderful memories raising our children together in Holland Pines in Virginia Beach. You and Michael were great neighbors. That neighborhood was so special with neighbors helping neighbors. We will always remember Michael for his sense of humor. New Year’s Eve 1999 was epic and will remain one of the best times ever.
May your faith guide you through this most difficult time and your memories of Micheal keep your heart full with his love. Our thoughts are with Chris and Nikki as well. Michael was a loving father. Chris, I hope you will feel his love for the rest of your life. Nikki, your dad loved you very much and so do we. You and Zu are in our thoughts and prayers.
So saddened to hear the news. He was a good man to his family and committed military and worker for government after that. You were blessed to have him for husband and Chris and Nicole was blessed to have his for father. I will put you and family on prayer chain at church.
Cindy Brian Mullen
Diane and Family,
Sharon and I are so shocked and saddened to hear this news. I had the pleasure, as you know, of working with Mike at NELODET for about ten years until my retirement in 2004. Mike was an extremely talented engineer and a pleasure to be with……our Myrtle Beach golf trips were epic. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob and Sharon Bishop
Diane and family, my deepest condolences. Mike and I were classmates at USNA and ran track together. He always had a smile and a kind word; you could depend on Mike to brighten your day. God bless and my thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Tony Ferrari
My condolences..from a NELO/NSMA teammate. We are all family.
D’Ambra Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I so enjoyed working with Mike through the years. His sense of humor and positive outlook I will always remember. He was a wonderful coworker and friend that I will always cherish the memories we shared together.
Love,
Kathy Bongers
My deepest condolences! I worked with Mike for many years. He was an amazing man to work with who did his profession and the Navy proud.