Joseph Francis Ambrogi, 83, passed away peacefully, Jan 18, 2016, in his home, and was welcomed into his heavenly home by his beloved son, Bobby. Mr. Ambrogi was born October 12, 1932, the son of Biagio Ambrogi and Tonina Rossi Ambrogi. He was born in a small apartment that his family lived in over top of a deli that his father owned and operated in Washington, D.C. During the eighth grade, he had to quit school and work in the family business.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army for two years, during which time he was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. When he returned home, he took over the deli from his father and ran it for over 20 years.

During that time, Mr. Ambrogi met and married the love of his life, Norma Faina, on August 22, 1959. They had a wonderful marriage, celebrating 56 beautiful years together and four children.

Surviving with his wife are his children; Debbie Ambrogi Ritter of Stephenson, Ronnie Ambrogi of Winchester and Tommy Ambrogi and his wife, Jaclyn of Middletown; four grandchildren, Nikki, Brett, Bristol and Wyatt; and one great granddaughter, McKinley. He is also survived by two sisters, Margaret Teates of Winchester, Virginia and Gloria Maltagliati of Manassas, Virginia, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his son, Bobby, and two sisters, Lillian Lewis and Maria Ricciuti.

In 1973, Mr. Ambrogi purchased the Workingman’s Store on the downtown mall and moved his family to Winchester. From the beginning he was blessed with the most amazing and loyal employees that anyone could ask for; employees that were more like family to him and have remained loyal for over 40 years. He was best known by employees and customers alike for his keen sense of humor. He was always joking around and loved to make people laugh. One day, an employee nicknamed him Pedro, a name that stuck with him throughout his career. In 1981, as his business continued to prosper, he purchased a 2^nd location on Boscawen Street which is the store’s present location. Then he renamed the store to the Total Image & Workingman’s Store, and closed the downtown store.

Mr. Ambrogi lived life full of passion and to the fullest every day. He never met a stranger, and wherever he went, he made people laugh. He was very active and enjoyed woodworking, spending time in his workshop. Through the years, he has made many keepsakes for his children and grandchildren. He was currently working on a toy box for his great granddaughter. He loved camping in his RV and with his wife, traveled around much of the U.S., making many friends along the way. He also loved fishing, spending time at the family’s lake lot, and working in the yard. But, his pride was always his family, who he loved spending time with more than anything else. Because he was such a kid at heart, he was the happiest when his kids, grandkids, or great granddaughter were around and he played with them with the energy level of a man half his age.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 21^st, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.

A funeral service will be conducted at 5:00 PM, on Thursday, January 21^st, with Pastor Mike Mayton officiating at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. A reception will follow the service. Interment will be private at Shenandoah Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Judes Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 or the Blue Ridge Food Bank, P.O. Box 937, Verona, VA 24482-0937.