John Michael Ambielli, 78, of Califon, New and Bar Harbor, Maine, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer at his home in Califon on Jan. 21, 2021. He was born in Newark, NJ in 1942, the son of Frederick and Sylvia (Giuliano) Ambielli.

In 1959, he graduated from Livingston High School and went on to proudly serve in the New Jersey National Guard. He joined his father and brother in the family business, eventually growing their small company into Custom Alloy Corporation, a global manufacturing company specializing in pipe fittings and forgings. In 1963, John married and began what would be become a 57-year journey with his wife Barbara. Together they created an exceptional life, filled with their five children and a legacy of loving memories. John was known for his unwavering faith and served as an elder at First Christian Assembly in Plainfield, New Jersey.

A counselor and mentor to many, he helped to develop and guide their own spiritual journeys. He was part of a large Italian family with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews that he loved dearly. He was a master conversationalist and storyteller, cultivating many strong friendships that span his lifetime, from high school, church, and work to his time in Maine. His love of the outdoors stemmed from time spent as a young man on his family's farm in rural New Jersey. This also inspired his interests in fishing, firearms, photography, and hiking.

In the latter half of their life, John and Barbara established roots in coastal Maine. From their little stone beach in South Addison to the mountains of Acadia to Little Burnt Pond in Otis, John found his greatest joys, only made better when shared with his family and friends.

All who knew John learned from his strong work ethic, kindness, compassion, spiritual strength, and belief that being a giver is paramount in life. These qualities are the gifts he leaves behind to all that loved him.
John is survived by his wife Barbara; five children, Karen Fuller (Stuart), John Ambielli (Celia), Laura Swisher (Paul), Lynn Rampacek (Mark), Sharon Dubuc (Seth); 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and his dog Finn. He is also survived by his brother, Adam Ambielli (Judie), his sister, Lin Berg (Rick); brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom and Blanche Pennino, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, to celebrate his passion for giving, donations may be made to the Maine Seacoast Mission www.seacoastmission.org or PO Box 600, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662. Private services will be held at a later date. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.