Marius Ambrose, proud Lithuanian, educator
Marius Ambrose, 85, of Lewes, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa. He died peacefully, surrounded by the love and comfort of his wife, Janet, and daughters, Karen and Lizzie, after a brief battle with cancer.
Marius was born Oct. 9, 1939, in Kybartai, Lithuania, to Vincas and Rozalia Ambrazieius. As World War II raged, the family was forced to flee Lithuania. Before their departure, Marius’s older brother, Raymond, enlisted in a German-Lithuanian battalion whose purpose was to fight the Russians. He was only 16 at the time. Tragically, he was lost in action and never heard from again.
Marius and his parents were then relocated to Germany, where they lived in a Displaced Persons Camp in Munich until they were sponsored by relatives and emigrated to Newark, N.J., in 1949.
As a Lithuanian immigrant, life in Newark was a struggle. Marius was a survivor of epic proportions—learning how to make friends in hardscrabble Newark and navigating an education system that was difficult to comprehend. He worked tirelessly, taking jobs at a junkyard, as a longshoreman, with the post office, and even at a local funeral home. He proudly bought an Indian motorcycle and later saved up for his first car, a 1947 Hudson. He graduated from East Side High School in 1958. Unsure of what would come next, a high school counselor stepped in, signing him up for—and even paying for—college entrance exams. Marius was accepted to Newark State College, where he majored in history and psychology.
In 1960, he married his first wife, Yvette. They had two daughters, Karen and Elizabeth. Following graduation, Marius began a 15-year career as a teacher of psychology and European history at Ramapo High School in Franklin Lakes, N.J. During this time, he earned a master’s degree in 19th-century Russian history from New York University and pursued additional studies in education administration at Rutgers University. In 1969, his first marriage ended in divorce.
In 1976, Marius married Janet, who would be his loving partner for 48 years. His professional passion became union advocacy. In 1979, Marius accepted a position with the Maryland State Teachers Association as a union representative for teachers, working primarily in Frederick and Howard Counties. Marius and Janet moved to Maryland, where they remained until retiring to Lewes in 2013.
In addition to his work with the teachers' union, Marius was a strong advocate for those who served as teacher representatives. He held leadership roles with the National Staff Organization for decades and served for many years as its vice president for Defense.
In retirement, Marius and Janet shared a deep passion for travel, relishing the experiences of their many worldwide adventures. Marius also volunteered for many years as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, representing children in foster care. He had a particular connection with adolescent boys and a deep compassion for their unique struggles. He served as a board member and vice president of the Friends of CASA, an organization supporting the work of CASA volunteers.
Marius was a 29-year member of the Elks, an affiliation he greatly enjoyed. A proud Lithuanian, he cherished his heritage and remained deeply connected to his cultural roots. A dual citizen and native speaker, he closely followed developments in Lithuania and never missed an opportunity to vote in its elections.
Marius was predeceased by his parents, Vincas and Rozalia; his brother, Raymond; his in-laws, Stanley and Mildred Buczek; brother-in-law, Stanley Buczek; and nephew, Brian Buczek.
He is survived by his wife, Janet; and daughters, Karen Miller of Virginia, and Elizabeth Ambrose of New Jersey. The light of his life was his granddaughter, Emily Miller, whom he loved deeply. Marius is also survived by his sister-in-law, Peg Buczek; niece, Donna Nieman (William) of Albany; and nephew, Jeff Buczek (Katie) of New Jersey; as well as his great-nieces, Alexis, Amanda, Alivia, and Emily. He also treasured many long-lasting friendships that supported and enriched his life.
A memorial celebration will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marius’s memory may be made to the Lithuanian Foundation.
Visit Marius’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
