Ernest D'Ambra, or "Ernie" as he was affectionately known to his family and friends, at age 87 of Rochester, NY passed away Sunday, April 30, in Naples, Florida. Ernie was born on May 26, 1929 in Rochester, the eighth child of Michael and Providenza D'Ambra. Ernie enlisted in the Army and served his country as an MP during the Korean War. After receiving his honorable discharge he remained in Rochester to work and help his family. On July 19, 1958 Ernie married his sweetheart Marie Buscemi of Pittston, Pennsylvania and settled on Rockview Terrace in Rochester where he worked at the Pfaulder Company for 42 years. He was an active member of Most Precious Blood Church and School. Ernie and Marie raised two children David and Paula. Ernie enjoyed many wonderful years of retirement. He was an avid New York Yankee fan, and enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy on a daily basis. Above all Ernie was a family man, a loving and devoted husband, dad and grandfather to his children and grandchildren. His beloved grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was most of all known for his beautiful smile, big heart, crushing handshakes, chest bumps, and big hugs. Ernie will be greatly missed by his wife of 58 years, Marie Buscemi D'Ambra, his daughter Paula and her wife Tara Chadwick of Naples, FL and his daughter-in-law, Denise Doyle of Oakland, CA. He is also survived by his two grandchildren, Dimitri and Addison, and his brother-in-law, Charles Buscemi. Ernie was blessed with numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends especially his Rockview Terrace family. He is predeceased by his son David. Visitation will be Sunday, June, 25, 1-4pm at Bartolomeo Perotto Funeral Home, Inc. 1411 Vintage Lane (between Rte 390 Long Pond Rd). Funeral service honoring and celebrating his life will take place at Bartolomeo Perotto Funeral Home, Monday, June 26 at 10:30am followed by a procession to Holy Sepulchre cemetery.