Owner of Playland’s Pier Restaurant & Tiki Bar, John Ambrose, Passes Suddenly

(PHOTO: John Ambrose. Courtesy: FB / Tiki Bar / Stephanie Lombardo.)

John Ambrose, the owner of the Pier Restaurant & Tiki Bar at Playland, is gone. Ambrose's passing was reported by the restaurant on Facebook:

"It is with a heavy heart that we share news of the passing of our beloved John Ambrose, the heart and soul of the Pier Restaurant & Tiki Bar. He will be missed beyond words and we will continue to keep his memory and mission alive of “Everyone goes home happy” for years to come. John’s vibrant spirit, big smile, quick wit and warm embrace touched the lives of all those who knew him, whether it was for 45 years or 5 minutes. In respect for John, we will remain closed through Thursday but will reopen on Friday for our final weekend of the Season, as John would have wanted. To John, may it forever be “Tiki Time” in heaven. Your memory will live our hearts always and your presence felt on the boardwalk in the warm summer breeze. Cheers, our friend."

Ambrose's brother Bill also posted on Facebook and said in part: 

"My brother John Ambrose has passed suddenly and unexpectedly. He was everything to me. He was my brother, a surrogate father after our Dad passed, the best, most thoughtful, considerate uncle my boys could ever have and a friend and positive influence on so many."

Feel free to leave your memories of Ambrose and the Tiki Bar in the comments below.