New York City’s backstage lost one of its iconoclasts this week. Myles J. Ambrose, Jr passed away unexpectedly on September 28, 2020. Recently retired after 40 years backstage at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, Myles was a lifelong New Yorker.

Born January 23, 1950 in Manhattan to Myles J. Ambrose and Elaine Miller Ambrose, Myles grew up in Westchester County as one of six children. He attended Stepinac High School and his father’s beloved alma mater Manhattan College.

When the country erupted during the Vietnam War, Myles joined the Merchant Marines and explored the boundaries of the globe. On his return, he joined Local 1 IATSE Labor Union at the suggestion of his family’s beloved godfather, Thomas R. Donahue. He has served as a loyal member of the Union ever since.

His life’s calling was managing backstage at Avery Fisher Hall so the front stage could seamlessly bring musical magic to audiences night after night. Prior to his tenure with the New York Philharmonic, Myles worked in lighting, sound and special effects for dozens of Broadway shows. He was multi-talented, an excellent shop foreman and a consummate problem solver.

Myles is survived by his siblings--Kathleen, Kevin, Elise, Nora and Christopher and his longtime partner Susan Coursey. Myles's nieces and nephews include Grace Ambrose, Myles J. Ambrose, Gregory Carter, Meghan Carter and John Preston Baker. His family also includes cousins Bryan Miller and Diane Miller Kaspareck, as well as cousins from the Ambrose clan. Also included in Myles's family are stepchildren Thomas Kavana, Amy Cassidy, Rachel Coursey Holmes, Sarah Coursey, their spouses, children and grandchildren. Surviving also is Lorraine Ambrose, wife of the late Myles J. Ambrose, Sr.

Myles was a unique soul who touched the lives of many. He had a large family of friends he collected along his adventurous journey of life. An avid collector of many things, mostly random VW auto parts, electronics and equipment related to his woodworking passion, he was a consummate student of learning and taking apart everything.

He mentored, managed and inspired many people both in his chosen field of sound and lighting, joining the union he was so proud of, and encouraging strangers to save for retirement.

The mystery of Myles’ life will be his legacy for so many ‘til the last.

Myles was inspired by the story of “Miss Maya” who suffered from cerebral palsy and so if you would like to make a contribution to her charity, we know he would appreciate it. https://www.mightymissmaya.org

Contributions to the Myles J Ambrose ’48 Scholarship Fund at Manhattan College are also most welcome. https://connect.manhattan.edu/giving Please note the scholarship name fund in Designation under “Other” Thank you.

A celebration of his life will be held virtually on Friday, October 9, 2020 at 4pm via zoom, details below. Technical assistance will be available 15 minutes prior.


Topic: Celebrating the life of Myles J. Ambrose, Jr.
Time: Oct 9, 2020 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 974 2514 0210
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Meeting ID: 974 2514 0210