Bobbye St. Ambrogio
August 7, 1940 - October 12, 2021
It is with great sadness that the family of Bobbye St. Ambrogio announces her passing on October, 12, 2021, in Hawaii, where she has resided for the past 20 years. She leaves behind Jodi Orton of Missouri, Adam Scharf of Hawaii, and Russell and his wife, Seana Scharf of Rhode island, her hanai son Jon Eldon, as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bobbye St. Ambrogio began her journey shoveling horse manure and ended surrounded by Ohana. Born August 7, 1940, to Henry and Jane Glick, she quickly began her ever changing metamorphosis, constantly exploring new paths to conquer. She started off in this world as Marcella Roberta but became Bobbye at an early age - ”Please don't call her Marcella! “Similar to the life of a butterfly, she required a true letting go and rebirth of the self each step of the way. Her first career began after attending a riding clinic for riding five -gaited horses in New Hampshire where she fell in love with horses. After the clinic, she returned to New York and married Stephen Scharf. They had three wonderful kids, Jodi, Adam, and Russell. Bobbye and the kids made Oakland, NJ their home for over 30 years. While working with horses she was scouted by a modeling agency in New York City. She was quickly swept away from riding horses to become Ms. 100 Pipers Scotch for Seagrams Corporation. Known as Bobbye Morse during this time, she appeared as a centerfold in the New York Times for SpringMaid Fabrics. Then, using her wit and modeling skills, she transformed again to become a cosmetician for high-end cosmetic corporations. In 1976, she underwent yet another transformation, switching from a women focused world to a male dominated line of work as an Officer. Bobbye joined the Bergen County New Jersey Sheriff's Department where she founded the Mounted division as their first female officer and then Chief. Serving there for 30 years she had the opportunity to consistently stand with her brothers and sisters to support her community. In 2001, she retired to travel with her husband and love, Bob St. Ambrogio. Bob passed right before she moved to the Big Island, which took her life and retirement plans down a different path. Life on the Big Island allowed her to have yet another career. She lived in Pepeʻekeo and worked with the Civil Defense to resurrect the neighborhood watch program. This work transitioned into becoming the liaison between Community Policing and the Prosecutor's office. She also had the privilege to serve on the Fire and Police Commissions of Hawaii County. She then retired again, just last year. Bobbye's life has never been boring. She is a trailblazer, mother, grandmother, avid motorcyclists and steadfast woman with vision and intent. She celebrated, traveled, laughed, and loved every step of the way. Bobbye now enters another metamorphosis, this time choosing to become an ancestor.
Memorial Services, 11:30 AM on Monday, October 18, 2021 at the Coconut Island. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: www.AhavaAina.org
308 Kamehameha Avenue Suite 202 Hilo HI 9672