Richard Ambrosino, Sr., 90, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025 at St Mary's Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, surrounded by his family. He was a long-time resident of Newport News, Virginia, but was born and raised in Chester, Pennsylvania, by the late Joseph and Rose (DeMaio) Ambrosino.

He is preceded in death by his children, Michael Ambrosino and Susan Ambrosino-Richards; sister Mary Jane Nacrelli; brother Jody Ambrosino; and former spouse, Rosabel Estelle Ambrosino.

He is survived by his sons, Rick Ambrosino and James Ambrosino and his wife Jenny; grandchildren, Amanda Pinto, and her husband Michael, Bianca Albright, and her husband Seth, Natalie Ambrosino, Jonah Ambrosino, and Kim Hammer; great-grandchildren, Michael, Tate and Joey Pinto, Ben and Henry Albright; nephew Joseph P. Ambrosino; and nieces Cindy Ambrosino and family, Lisa Garcia and family, and Jane Easley and family.

He was a 1952 graduate of Chester High School in Chester, Pennsylvania. He went on to graduate from Pennsylvania Military College in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics, where he was class treasurer and excelled in football, being the defensive team captain. He was very active in college, being a part of the Kappa Sigma Kappa Fraternity, sports editor, varsity football, varsity track, and various other clubs and productions. This is where his love blossomed for the military, and a long, prestigious career would follow. Later in life, he obtained his Master's Degree in Business from Syracuse University.

His military career was exceptional. He retired as a Colonel and spent 27 years in the Army and 3 years in the National Guard while in college. He had two tours in Vietnam. He was a part of the 1st Infantry Division and a parachutist. His decorations, medals, and badges were vast during his time, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with 3 OLC, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Expert Infantryman Badge, and many others. His military career, marked by dedication and service, gave him and his family the opportunity to live all over the world, including places like Germany, Panama, and Hawaii.

His career wasn't his only achievement. He was an assistant golf pro in his younger years, and when he retired from the military, he became an established entrepreneur within the community, owning and operating three businesses. One of his businesses, The Sandwich Factory, was a staple in the Hampton Roads community, where people traveled from all over to taste his famous award-winning, homemade chicken salad. His personal achievements, marked by versatility and passion, were a testament to his character and the values he instilled in his family.

His family was his ultimate joy. He was always the most supportive, most loving, and most guiding person to all of us. His absence is a great loss, but he shaped and molded all of us into the people we are today. We cannot thank him enough for everything he did and will continue to do even when he is no longer here. His mark will last us through all of our lives. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received from our friends, family, and the community during this difficult time.

We all know you're up in heaven "Lookin Good!"

A visitation will take place from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025. A funeral mass will follow at 12:00 P.M. Burial will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith and Son Funeral Home.