Published in the May 1, 2018 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Angelo R. D’Ambrosio, 75, a longtime resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital.
Angelo was born on October 24, 1942 in Boston, one of five children of the late Joseph T. and Molly (Ciocco) D’Ambrosio. Angelo was raised in the North End of Boston before moving to Melrose with his family where he graduated from high school with the Class of 1962. While sitting on a fence outside his house, Angelo met his future wife Beverly A. LeBlanc. They were married on March 7, 1964, and settled in Wakefield to raise a family of three children.
Angelo dedicated himself to his position at the United States Post Office for many years. For 18 years, he proudly served as the Postmaster at the Tewksbury Post Office, a job he loved. With dedication to his work, and a strong work ethic, Angelo was recognized with the Massachusetts Postmaster of the Year Award. He also served as past president of the League of Postmasters, and was an active member of the Saugus Elks for many years.
Following his retirement at age 56, Angelo was afforded more time to further his passion in the 100 mile wilderness of the Applachian trail in Maine. Starting with a small camp, “Timberdoodle,” Angelo expanded and built a retirement home “Wildlife Lodge” where he and Beverly lived fulltime. Near Lake Onawa in Elliotsville Township, the lodge served as a family outpost for outdoor activities from fishing to hunting to snowmobiling to riding ATVs. A lover of animals and wildlife, Angelo gave every room in the lodge an animal theme. Known as the deer whisperer, Angelo started and finished every day feeding the many deer, sometimes by hand, in the backyard. Angelo also served as the trail master and president of the E-Ville Riders Snowmobile Club, and with wife Beverly managed the Wildlife Center on Borestone Mountain in Elliotsville Township for several years. With his love of the outdoors, and zest for life, Angelo loved the lodge in Maine and wanted to share the beauty and bounty of the landscape with his family and friends.
Angelo was also well known for his interest and distribution of fiddleheads. He started a website called the “Fiddlehead Depot” where he sold fiddleheads to customers across the country. He and Beverly also authored a guide to identifying and picking fiddlehead, and a cookbook filled with unique fiddlehead recipes.
Above all, Angelo was a loyal and devoted family man. A natural role model and leader, Angelo instilled a strong work ethic, and family values in his children and grandchildren. He was a good friend to many, and loved to share his passions with those around him. He leaves behind his adoring family and dear friends but the memories he created, his zest for life, and his love of a good prank will live on in their hearts. He will be missed, but always lovingly remembered.
Angelo was the beloved husband of Beverly A. (LeBlanc) D’Ambrosio with whom he shared 54 years of marriage. Devoted father of Lisa M. Dente and her husband David of Wakefield, Joseph G. D’Ambrosio and his wife Terri of Methuen, and Laurie A. Roy and her husband Stephen of Wakefield. Dear brother of Linda Papa and her husband David of E. Hampstead, N.H., Mark D’Ambrosio of Manchester, N.H., Ann D’Ambrosio of Quincy, and the late Joseph D’Ambrosio, Jr. Cherished grandfather of Katherine Bianchi and her husband John, Cameron Roy, Adam D’Ambrosio, Julianne D’Ambrosio, and Jonathan D’Ambrosio. Proud great-grandfather of Alexis Marie Bianchi. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends will gather in honor and remembrance of Angelo’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, May 2 from 4-8 p.m, and again on Thursday at 9 a.m. before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield for his funeral Mass celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. For online tribute, or directions visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
