Arnold J. D’Ambrosa, 85, of Point Pleasant passed away peacefully on Friday, February 9, 2018 at Ocean Medical Center in Brick. He was a loving father and grandfather who enjoyed gathering with family at home and at the Marina.
Arnold was born and raised in Rahway NJ, he was a graduate of Rahway High School. He proudly served his country in the US Coast Guard from 1952-1956. Since 1976, Mr. D’Ambrosa was the owner and president of Arnold’s Yacht Basin in Point Pleasant and the owner and operator of the Brielle Yacht Club Marina since 1994. Mr. D’Ambrosa was the Superintendent of Public Works in Rahway from 1960-1975 he also served as an Assemblyman of The NJ Legislature from 1974-1975.
Arnold’s biggest passion was boat racing and he was instrumental in bringing Cigarette boat racing to the Jersey Shore. He won the National Championship in 1991 and The World Championship in 1992. He was a member and previous President of US Offshore Powerboat Racing Association.
Surviving are his sons, Arnold G. D’Ambrosa and his wife, Roxane D’Ambrosa of Point Pleasant, David D’Ambrosa of Point Pleasant, step-son, Christopher G. DeCresce and his wife, Kristy DeCresce of Brielle; grandchildren, Toniann and Donzi D’Ambrosa and Charlotte and Everett DeCresce; niece and nephew, Diane and Anthony Vivenzio; as well as many cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Onorato and Rose D'Ambrosa, sister, Rosemarie and Anthony Vivenzio, nephew, Joseph and by his former wife, Barbara DeCresce.
A memorial visitation will be held on Monday, February 19, 2018 from 4-8pm at the O’Brien Funeral Home, 505 Burnt Tavern Road, Brick. A prayer service will be conducted at 7:30pm in the funeral home. Donations may be made in his name to the Point Pleasant First Aid Squad or the American Heart Association.