Harry Ambuske

Mr. Harry Ambuske, age 91, formerly of Salamanca, New York, died Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice and Palliative Care Center, Winston-Salem, N.C. after a sudden illness.

Born September 12, 1925 in Salamanca, New York, he was the son of the late Anthony and Frances Zaprowski Ambuske. He was married on October 16, 1948 to the former Beatrice Goodrich who predeceased him on February 19, 2010. They moved to Winston-Salem, NC in 2006 to live with family.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving in the South Pacific during WWII. He received the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the WWII Victory Medal.

Mr. Ambuske worked for the US Post Office as a mail carrier in Salamanca, New York for 38 years, retiring in 1986. He loved socializing with the people on his routes.

Mr. Ambuske was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Salamanca, NY, and St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Winston-Salem, NC. He belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post #5296, the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working with stained glass and gardening. He also loved to read and do crossword puzzles. Many children in Salamanca had wonderful hours of fun due to his volunteerism at the Salamanca Ski Hill. His kindness and beautiful spirit were known to everyone he met.

Mr. Ambuske’s passion for life was his family. Left to cherish his memory are: 2 daughters, Sharon Prybylo, Winston-Salem, NC, Rhonda (David) Albert, West Seneca, NY; 1 son, Stephen Ambuske, Winston-Salem, NC; 7 grandchildren, Kasia (Paul) Prybylo Noblett, Roanoke, Va, Krista (Christopher) Prybylo Pearce, Cary, NC, Mollie (Jamie) Ambuske Pierce, Salamanca, NY, Keri (Jason) Prybylo Britt, Winston-Salem, NC, Ashley Ambuske and fiancé Jermey Brown , Randolph, NY, Josh Ambuske and friend Kenda Sanford, Salamanca, NY, Lyndsay Albert, West Seneca, NY ; 12 great-grandchildren, Camryn Early and Peyton Pierce, Loganne and Ashton Bushey, and Emma Earley, Riley, Jessica, Reagan and Jonathan Pearce, Sage and Sydney Noblett, Jacob Britt; 1 sister, Connie (Lou) Wonsiewicz, Lancaster, NY; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by 2 brothers, Edward Ambuske, Raymond Ambuske, and 3 sisters, Esther Ditty, Caroline Clark, Rita Zochowski.

There will be no visitation.

A Memorial Mass will be held in Our Lady of Peace Parish in Salamanca, New York, on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Peace Parish with Rev. Peter Napierkowski, pastor, as celebrant.

Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Salamanca, New York.

Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post #5296.

In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society at PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123 or to an animal charity or charity of your choice.

Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York.

E-condolences can be sent to john @ orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.