Christy Harris D'Ambrosio

Albany, NY-Christy Harris D’Ambrosio was born December 29, 1952, in Phoenix, AZ and died on April 8, 2025 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Christy is predeceased by her Mother and Father, Christine and Harry Harris, and her sister, Roberta Harris. She is survived by her husband, Ray Newkirk; sons, Michael D’Ambrosio (Ren Tarpley) and John D’Ambrosio (Madeline Tricozzi) and their son, Matthew D’Ambrosio; her step-daughters: Sarah Newkirk (Steve Munch) and their sons, Logan and Orion Newkirk; Rachel Newkirk; and Leah Newkirk (Matt Lang) and their sons, Alexander and Jacob Lang. Christy was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ. She received a Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance degree from Arizona State University in 1975 and moved to New York City in 1976 where she worked as an Equity actress. She moved to Albany, NY, in 1986, and started a family. Christy worked as the Managing Partner of Alliance Reporting Service from 1989 until 2002, when she decided to pursue a master’s degree. Christy graduated from Skidmore College’s Master’s Program with a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies in 2007, focusing on Social Development through Arts Education. After receiving her degree, Christy volunteered at Trinity Alliance, St. Anne’s Institute, and New Day Art. She was also the Youth Director at the First Presbyterian Church of Albany for over a decade; served as the Albany Presbytery Coordinator for the National Presbytery Triennium for Youth in 2013, 2016, and 2019, and as Coordinator for the New York State Council of Churches Youth Leadership Conferences in both New York City and Washington, DC. In 2014, Christy coordinated a GroupCares national work camp in Albany, organizing over 400 youth from across the nation, to paint and/or repair 30+ homes in the South End, Arbor Hill, and West Hills neighborhoods, as well as the PYHIT Schuyler Inn facility in Menands. Christy was honored by the NYS Council of Churches in 2017 for Excellence in Christian Formation and received a Community Service Award from the Cameroonian Association of the Greater Capital District in 2019. Christy also worked as an Administrator for Albany Pro Musica and volunteered at Music Mobile, Wizard’s Wardrobe, and Children at the Well (With Our Voices). Christy loved her family and friends, singing, dancing, theatre, children and youth, traveling, and helping others. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Christy’s family on Friday, May 2, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance only. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 2:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church, 362 State Street, Albany, NY 12210. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery immediately following the Service. To leave a message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com Donations can be made in her memory to Wizard’s Wardrobe, PO Box 61, Albany NY 12201 (wizardswardrobe.org) or With Our Voices, PO Box 271, Latham, NY 12110 (withourvoices.org).

Tributes

Christy Harris D'Ambrosio

December 29, 1952 - April 8, 2025