M. Timothy Ambrose

We are mourning the passing of local coaching legend and mentor Melvin T. Ambrose (Tim). Coach passed peacefully at home in the presence of the love of his life, wife Jan and family in Middletown, Md., in the early hours of Saturday October 19th, 2024. 

Tim was born February 28, 1949, to Melvin and Evelyn Ambrose of Frederick Md. It was evident at a young age while spending countless hours and days at Rosedale Park that he had been gifted not just with height but was also an outstanding athlete. He was a member of the Frederick 1963 Babe Ruth World Series team, and a football, basketball, and baseball standout at both Frederick and Thomas Johnson High Schools, his athletic career culminated in a full football scholarship to Southern Illinois University upon graduation from Thomas Johnson High School, in 1967.

It was at SIU that Tim discovered the two things he would come to love more than anything, his wife and his calling. In 1968 he met his future wife/partner/best friend and mother of his children, Janice Rodnick of Chicago, Illinois. Obtaining both undergraduate and graduate degrees while playing for the Salukis he learned that through the game of football he could teach, grow, mentor and inspire others, he could make a difference. 

In 1972, Tim returned to Frederick County to begin his coaching and teaching career. With a tremendous desire to give back to the community and a deep love for football, he started his coaching career as an assistant football coach at Thomas Johnson High School. From there in 1974 the Frederick native was appointed as the first Head Football Coach at Middletown HS.

In Maryland’s high school football history few have commanded respect on the sidelines like Coach Tim Ambrose. From 1974-2004 Coach WAS Middletown football. Starting the program from scratch, lining fields, washing uniforms, building and running a strength program, guiding the development of the youth program and constructing the stands for fans was a 24-7 labor of love. After 246 wins, 12 playoff appearances and induction into both the Frederick County and Maryland State Football Coaches Hall of Fame, Coach transitioned to the role athletic director at Middletown where he oversaw the achievement of earning 17 state titles in 9 different sports before retiring in 2013.

Tim is survived by his wife, Janice Ambrose, his son Rob (Melissa) Laurel, Md., daughter Heather Green (Paul) Milledgeville, Ga., and son Jared (Ashley) Albany, NY; grandchildren, Grace and Riley Ambrose, Rhiannon, Mira and Jackson Green, Evie, Sawyer and Jace Ambrose.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. 

A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 24th from the funeral home chapel.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.