SKOWHEGAN – Nicholas “Nick” Perry Ambulos of Skowhegan passed away peacefully on Jan. 13, 2023, in the comfort of his home with his loving family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Merlene McKay Ambulos. Nick was born in Manchester, Conn., the son of the late Pericles George Ambulos and Victoria (Stevens) Ambulos.

Growing up he worked in the restaurant owned by his father and uncle. He attended Manchester High School where he took courses in tool and design making. He was a member of the soccer team. He loved to dance, sing and was a member of an all-male choir that would travel around Connecticut and surrounding regions. When Nick turned 18, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He joined their special Construction Battalion (CB), commonly known as the Seabees, as a pipe fitter where he was stationed in Morocco, Okinawa, and Guam. He was later drafted to Korea. He served his country with honor and pride. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. A resident of Niantic, Conn. before moving to Skowhegan, Nick was employed for 55 years by the United Association of Plumbing and Pipefitters Union, Local 777, in Meriden, Conn. until his retirement.

Nick was predeceased by his first wife, Marion Enrico whom he married in 1950. In 1986, Nick met and married Merlene McKay, affectionately known as “Little Mother”, who was the love of his life. He was blessed with eight children (two from his first marriage and six stepchildren who he loved, as if they had been related by blood), all of whom filled him with great pride. He was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for hunting and fishing. Nick and Merlene purchased a camp in Brighton, Maine, where they spent many years with their family. Where they filled it with good times, especially in the winter, when they loved to ride their snowmobiles. He also enjoyed bird watching, gardening and was a talented woodworker. He made many log cabin bird houses that he donated to various causes. He would gladly give one away to anyone who asked for one. He was very kind and generous. He also kept busy knitting hats for all ages. He made hundreds of infant hats, children’s, as well as adult hats and donated them to the local hospital, local churches, shelters and gifted to friends and family. Most of all, Nick loved to make people laugh and smile. If he could make you smile his day was made.

Besides his loving wife Merlene, Nick is survived by his daughter Sandra Nye and his son, Nicholas Ambulos, Jr. and his stepchildren, Kim Gray (Daniel), Cheryl Knowles (Timothy), Dana Fortin (Patricia), Holly Shaw (Thomas), Bobbi Jo Marshall (Jamie) and son-in-law Wayne McGowan (Heather); 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; his brother Charles Ambulos, sister-in-law Terry Violette (William), Danielle McKay; his faithful dog (Molly); along with many loving nieces and nephews.

Nick was predeceased by his stepdaughter Heather McGowan, son-in-law Ronald C. Nye; sisters Bessie Ambulos and Mary (Stanley) Kleczkowski and brother George (Marjory) Ambulos, Randon McKay, William McKay (Brenda), and Mona Stromberg. In addition to his family, Nick left countless friends whom he made over the years.

Nick lived life to the fullest the way he wanted to and took advantage of all life presented him. His glass was never half-empty or half-full, it was overflowing. Nick said that the success of his marriage with Merlene was that they never had any reason to not say, “Love you” every morning and end every evening with “Nite” and a kiss.

So, for all of us who survive Nick, we can only say to him, “Nite” blow him a kiss and remember to make someone smile.

A memorial service will be held in the spring.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, to please consider making a contribution in Nick’s memory to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

at http://www.stjude.org