Richard Ambrosi, 74

Richard Ambrosi, 74, loving husband, father, grandfather and esteemed friend, passed into eternal life Monday, Dec. 5, 2011, at his home in Post Falls. He went peacefully, surrounded by his loving wife, his sister, a friend and his parish priest, with all the prayers and last blessings of the Holy Catholic Church.

He faced even his darkest hours with humor and determination, always more concerned about others than himself. He was a warrior with a gentle heart, a faith-filled man who was an inspiration to those who knew him. Richard embraced good and truth, and his love for God and His Blessed Mother showed through his practice of the Catholic faith.

Richard was born to Henry and Victoria Ambrosi on June 19, 1937, in San Pedro, Calif., where he grew up with his parents and older sister Beverly. He went to Mary Star of the Sea High School in San Pedro, where he excelled in sports, especially football and received a football scholarship to USC. While in high school, Richard met the love of his life, Nancy DiLeva. The two wed on Aug. 24, 1957, and raised four children. Richard "Itchy" worked for 40 years as a longshoreman in ILWU Local No. 13 and No. 94. He also coached high school football at St. Paul's, St. Anthony's and Bishop Amat.

After his retirement in 1999, Richard and Nancy moved to Ketchum, full time, where he enjoyed the outdoors, particularly bird hunting, fishing and hiking in the Sawtooth Mountains. In 2002, the couple moved to Post Falls where they became one of the first active parishioners at St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Chapel, a traditional Latin Mass community in Coeur d'Alene. Richard especially loved spending time with his family, hunting with his beloved dogs, Sherman and Vulcan, cooking, traveling, playing cards, watching USC football and gathering on Sundays with church friends.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; four children, Tom (Karen) Ambrosi of Pullman, Wash., Rick Ambrosi of Ketchum, Vicky (John) Smoot of Kennewick, Wash., and Christy (Mario) Meyers of San Pedro; four grandchildren, Alexandra and Courtney Meyers, and William and Katie Smoot. He is further survived by his sister, Beverly (Nick) Zanze of Hayden; sisters-in-law Philomena DiMeglio, Louise DiLeva and Virginia DiLeva, all in California; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, at Yates Funeral Home, 744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene. Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12, 2011, at St. Joan of Arc Chapel, 773 N. 11th St., Coeur d'Alene. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 408 N. Spokane St., Post Falls.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Anna Schindler's Cancer Foundation, 6700 S. Stateline Road, Post Falls, ID 83854, (208) 777-8985 or schindler@dishmail.net.

Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene, has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Richard's online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign his guest book.