Wayne Brian D’Ambrosio, Navy veteran, athlete
Wayne Brian D’Ambrosio, fondly known as “D,” set sail on his final adventure Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Miami, Fla. At 72, D lived a life as vibrant and full as the Jimmy Buffett songs he loved.
Born May 4, 1952, in Boston, Mass., to Maurice and Barbara (Munroe) D’Ambrosio, D grew up in Somerville, Mass. A gifted athlete, he graduated from Somerville High School in 1970, where his prowess on the football field earned him an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy from Rep. Tip O’Neill and Sen. Ed Brooke.
D proudly graduated from the Naval Academy in 1974. As a midshipman, he triumphed on the football field, earning the star for defeating Army twice. Beyond athletics, he co-founded the 8th Wing Players at Bancroft Hall and discovered rugby—a love that would stay with him for life.
D’s military career was nothing short of extraordinary. Serving on destroyers and in Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal, he later transitioned to the Navy Reserves. His service spanned operations in Grenada, Panama, Desert Storm, and the Joint Task Force in Central America. Among his favorite assignments was working with the Navy’s Marine Mammal Program, training dolphins to clear mines. After retiring in 1995, D continued to inspire as a Blue and Gold Officer, guiding students toward their Naval Academy dreams.
Post-military, D excelled in satellite communications, working for companies such as Comsat, Inmarsat, O3B, Boeing, and Iridium. He was a consummate salesman who thrived on building global partnerships and creating solutions.
In 1995, D met the love of his life, Rita Poore. The couple married May 18, 1996, in a backyard ceremony surrounded by friends and family in Vienna, Va. Their adventures together spanned 28 years, meshing their families and friends while embracing their shared love of Key West, Fla., and Rehoboth Beach.
A man of boundless passions, D was an accomplished sailor, competing in races and embarking on Caribbean voyages with Rita and friends. He played rugby for many teams, but his heart belonged to the Maryland Old Boys. A devoted baseball fan, D nearly completed his bucket list of visiting every Major League Baseball stadium. A proud Red Sox supporter, he loved the game as much as he loved the camaraderie it fostered.
D’s life was enriched by his love of music, especially the tunes of Jimmy Buffett, the blues, and the shared joy of cigars and cocktails. But above all, he cherished his friends and family, who anchored his world.
D is survived by his beloved wife, Rita Poore; his sisters, Diane Lewis (Paul) and Sylvia D’Ambrosio; nephews, Aiden Lewis, and Ryan and Matthew Rivers; and niece, Barbara Anne D’Ambrosio. He was preceded in death by his brother, David. D’s extended family of nieces, nephews, godchildren, in-laws, and countless friends will forever miss his booming laugh, big heart, and even bigger personality.
A celebration of D’s remarkable life will take place in the spring in Rehoboth Beach. Details will be shared at a later date.
Fair winds and following seas, D—you lived a life well celebrated, and your spirit will forever resonate with those who loved you.
