Ambrose Family Album

Generation 3. Craig Ambrose Stewart (1909-1966).

Generation 3. Craig Ambrose Stewart (1909-1966).
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Son of George Leon and Laura (Ambrose) Stewart; grandson of Joseph Ritner and Margaret (Dougherty) Ambrose. This picture was taken when Craig went into the Navy in World War II.

Craig was born in the family residence at 817 Main Street, Rural Valley. He attended elementary and high school in Rural Valley, then began his studies at the University of Pittsburgh at the age of sixteen. Like his father, he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh's dental school. He went into practice with his father in Rural Valley in the mid-1930's. Craig married Esther 'Pat' Freyermuth of Fredonia, PA in 1940.

Craig joined the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War II. Because of his outstanding academic record and activities in the western Pennsylvania dental association, he went in as a first lieutenant rather than as a second lieutenant. He served on the east and west coasts during the war, and had sea duty in the Pacific. After the war, he served on troop ships bringing the soldiers home from Europe. Craig enjoyed the military and re-entered the Navy, this time as a regular officer, in 1947. In subsequent years he was stationed at Bayonne, NJ; Portsmouth, VA; Norfolk, VA; London, England; Quantico, VA; and Lakehurst, NJ. He was on sea duty in the Pacific during the Korean war.

Undoubtedly Craig's favorite duty station was London. He and Pat were able to tour all of England, and made side trips to France, Italy and the Netherlands. Craig had some artistic talent and he especially enjoyed visiting the art museums.

Craig was optimistic and enthusiastic, and always saw the best in people. He believed that the measure of a person was what that individual was able to accomplish, not rank or possessions. He enjoyed photography, golfing, and especially fishing.

Craig died of a massive heart attack while on active duty at NAS Lakehurst, NJ in 1966. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.