Stephen Joseph Ambuske

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Stephen Joseph “Steve” Ambuske, 69, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 2, 2026, in Winston- Salem.

He was born April 25, 1956, in Salamanca, N.Y., to the late Harry Anthony Ambuske and Beatrice Eloise Goodrich Ambuske.

He graduated from Salamanca Central High School, Class of 1974. He lived in Winston-Salem since 1992.

Stephen was a loving man who enjoyed spending time with his family. He was very skilled in many areas of home repair/renovations. While in North Carolina, he worked as a commercial painter at Pfaff’s painting company.

Steve loved being outdoors. He hunted, skated, skied and fished. He made beautiful stained-glass art with his father, and he loved to read. He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan.

Stephen is survived by his son, Joshua (Kenda) Ambuske of Salamanca; his daughters, Mollie (Jamie) Pierce of Salamanca and Ashley (Jeremy) Brown of Randolph, N.Y.; his sisters, Dr. Sharon Prybylo of Winston- Salem and Rhonda (David) Albert of West Seneca, N.Y.; four nieces, Dr. Kasia Noblett of Winston-Salem, Krista (Robert) Averill of Surf City, N.C., Keri (Jason) Britt of Winston-Salem and Dr. Lindsay Albert of Northport, Ala. He leaves behind nine grandchildren; 10 great-nieces and -nephews; and his former brother-in-law, Thomas Prybylo.

He was predeceased by two nephews-in-law, Paul Noblett and Christopher Pearce, and his grandparents, Frances Ambuske, Anthony Ambuske, Nina Vaughan Goodrich and Arthur Goodrich.

A memorial Mass was held Tuesday (Feb. 17, 2026) at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, 333 Springdale Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27104.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Triad Independent Cat Rescue in his honor. www.triadcat.org.