OFFICER KEVIN AMBROSEFUNERAL HOMILYJUNE 8, 2012
To paraphrase the words of General George S. Patton, “It is foolish to mourn a
man who died;
rather, we should thank God that such a man lived.”
Officer Kevin E. Ambrose- his name- his life- his integrity and most especially, hisdedicated service to his family and friends and to the City of Springfield and itscitizens as a distinguished member of the Springfield Police Department for thepast 36 years- are really the best sermon that could be preached this morning inhis honor.
As Kevin’s pastor at St. Cecilia’s Parish in Wilbraham, I realize that my words here
today can only attempt to capture the man- his passion for life- his devotion andlove for Carla, Krista and Kyle, and his beloved granddaughter Victoria, his dad,brother and sisters, relatives and friends; his dedication to his job and to all hisfellow police officers, and of course his love of sports and his fun-loving spirit andsense of humor.
Kevin’s life and his charismatic person
ality and charm touched the hearts of all of us here today and so many other people that he encountered over the years.
Kevin’s energy and spirit fills this church and all of our hearts this morning.
For 55 years Kevin was a man who lived each day to the fullest. When he left forwork on Monday morning at his usual time of 6:10 am, little did he or any of usknow that Monday, June 4, 2012 would end so tragically. A routine call of domestic violence in the city: an officer on duty quickly responded and then,suddenly and without human comprehension, the situation exploded out of
control. Kevin attempted to save a woman’s life
- and in carrying out his duties asa Springfield Police Officer, his life was taken from him and his family. Badge #7-A Fallen He
ro. A BRAVE, courageous man doing his duty. “No greater love than tolay down one’s life for another.” Kevin Ambrose lived the Gospel message on a
daily basis- in his own way-
by giving his all to family and strangers. But that’s
what Police Officers do each and every day. They risk their lives- while protectingours.Rev. Peter Marshall, who served as Chaplain to the United States Senate many
years ago once said, “The measure of a life is not its duration, but its donation.”
When we pause to consider
a person’s life and the impact they have upon others,
we cannot measure that life merely in length of years lived, but rather inmoments. For each moment, each memory takes on a new sense of specialness,of importance, of sacredness. One such moment and memory occurred last
Saturday when Kevin and Carla celebrated their granddaughter Victoria’s 4
th
birthday at their home. As his good friend and neighbor, Detective Kevin
Burnham said in the paper, “You’d have thought it was his birthday party. He was
as proud
as proud could be with Victoria.” Every police officer knows how fragile
life is! Each moment, each day is a precious gift from God.
As Christians and as people of faith our task is to try and live each moment andevery day to the very best of our ability, by living well, loving much and helping
others whenever we can. Jesus said, “Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.”
Kevin built his life and reputation on 5 important pillars: Faith, Family, Friends,Service and Fun. In each of those areas, he was a success. As a devoted andloving husband for 30 years, Kevin and Carla had a great marriage and a
wonderful family. They remain, “Two Hearts Forever One.” As a couple, their
home was always a place of welcome and hospitality for family and friends. Theirrespect and love for each other was clearly evident for all to witness.
As a proud father, Kevin’s children, Krista and Kyle, were always at the forefront
of his thoughts and efforts. As a result, he spent many volunteer hours coachingyouth soccer, baseball and basketball. Kevin worked hard to provide a good life
for his family. “No greater love!”
Carla, Krista, Kyle, Victoria, Kevin’s father Mr. Ambrose, Marty, Donna and Karen,
and to all the Ambrose and Cyr family members, we know that your hearts arebroken. Your grief is beyond words, your emotions are raw and fragile.
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