Louis J. D’Ambrosio, 85 – Danced on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand

Louis J. D’Ambrosio, 85, of Pine Grove, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2020.

Born on June 3, 1934 in Philadelphia, PA, he was a son of the late Yolanda D’Ambrosio and Pompeii Iacovello.

He resided at St. Frances Home for Boys until his 18th birthday.

He danced his way from the Steele Pier in Atlantic City, N.J. to Dick Clark’s American Bandstand in Philadelphia.  He made his way bartending in Margate, N.J. and was a member of a group called the Beetles: a local group in N.J.

Louis was drafted into the Korean War then enlisted for an additional two years during the Conflict.

He worked for the Frankford Arsenal in the Frankford section of Philadelphia until closing.  He then transitioned to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, where he worked for 32 years as a plumber and pipe fitter, servicing battleships and air craft carriers.  At the closing of the base, he worked for the American Red Cross in Philadelphia transporting blood products as well as volunteers to and from blood donation sites.

He then began a 17 year career with Wal-Mart at Franklin Mills in Philadelphia and retired from the St. Clair location.  He also worked several part time jobs including driving for Pizza Hut, Papa John’s and Old English Style Pizza Shops in Philadelphia.

Louis was Commander of American Legion Post 211 on Levick St. in Philadelphia.  After the post closed, he gave all members in current standing life memberships to the American Legion.  He then became a member of Post 366 in Philadelphia until he transferred to the Pine Grove American Legion, where he moved to be close to his grandsons.

Surviving are his wife of  49 years,  Marcia Strobel D’Ambrosio; two daughters, Phyllis D’Ambrosio-Kull and husband Matthew, Susan D’Ambrosio, two grandsons, Dennis and Sebastian Kull; a brother-in-law David Strobel, all of Pine Grove.

Interment will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.  All Services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would politely ask for contributions in his memory, be made for the continuing care of Susan and David, both whom are intellectually disabled and were dependent on Louis.  Contributions may be sent to Phyllis D’Ambrosio-Kull, 36 Hallton Hill Rd., Pine Grove, Pa. 17963.

The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc. Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements and you may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com.