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J.R. and VIOLA AMBROSE
1968-2024 | 1964-2024
Viola and J.R., two of the world’s most prominent figures in the realms of business, philanthropy, and art, tragically passed away on July 20, 2024, in a plane accident while flying back to New York City from their home in the Cayman Islands.
J.R. Lucas Ambrose, 55, born in Bloomfield, CT on August 15, 1968, was a self-made billionaire, collecting his immense fortune through clever business acumen and visionary investments in real estate. J.R. attended Harvard University, where he earned a degree in Economics and Business. His keen eye for opportunity and relentless work ethic led him to establish a business empire, the scale of which had never before been seen.
Viola Coretta Ambrose, 59, was an esteemed curator whose influence extended across some of the most prestigious art institutions in the world. Born on October 2, 1964 in Inglewood, CA, she graduated from Stanford University and the Royal College of Art, London, with degrees in Art History. She dedicated her life to art, serving as the lead curator for renowned museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Musée de l’Orangerie, and more. Her work has often been characterized as possessing a profound, new, exciting vision of French impressionism.
During their journey, the couple’s Boeing jet lost control and plummeted into the Atlantic Ocean. In the midst of what has already become one of the most expensive search-and-rescue missions in naval history, a portion of the plane’s right flaperon was found off the coast of Georgia. The investigation into what caused the crash is still ongoing.
The Ambroses were one of the most prominent Black billionaire couples in the world, and their success served as inspiration for countless individuals around the globe. The couple’s immense wealth was, at its peak, estimated to surpass $5 billion.
In the final years of J.R.’s life, his reputation was marred by accusations of unsafe and abusive working conditions within the vast span of his business empire. In the midst of numerous lawsuits, his company was ordered to pay more than 200 billion in restitution to over 250 plaintiffs. Despite this, J.R. and Viola will remain figures who represent generosity, hard work, and kindness.
J.R. and Viola are survived by their only child, Timon, who is now left to continue his parents’ legacy of excellence, compassion, and philanthropy. The loss of the Ambroses is a profound one, felt deeply by their large network of friends, colleagues, and all those who were touched by their vision and generosity.A private memorial service was held in New York City, with a public celebration of their lives following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Ambrose Foundation, one of the couple’s many philanthropic ventures, which works to provide financial support to artists worldwide.
J.R. Lucas Ambrose, 55, born in Bloomfield, CT on August 15, 1968, was a self-made billionaire, collecting his immense fortune through clever business acumen and visionary investments in real estate. J.R. attended Harvard University, where he earned a degree in Economics and Business. His keen eye for opportunity and relentless work ethic led him to establish a business empire, the scale of which had never before been seen.
Viola Coretta Ambrose, 59, was an esteemed curator whose influence extended across some of the most prestigious art institutions in the world. Born on October 2, 1964 in Inglewood, CA, she graduated from Stanford University and the Royal College of Art, London, with degrees in Art History. She dedicated her life to art, serving as the lead curator for renowned museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Musée de l’Orangerie, and more. Her work has often been characterized as possessing a profound, new, exciting vision of French impressionism.
During their journey, the couple’s Boeing jet lost control and plummeted into the Atlantic Ocean. In the midst of what has already become one of the most expensive search-and-rescue missions in naval history, a portion of the plane’s right flaperon was found off the coast of Georgia. The investigation into what caused the crash is still ongoing.
The Ambroses were one of the most prominent Black billionaire couples in the world, and their success served as inspiration for countless individuals around the globe. The couple’s immense wealth was, at its peak, estimated to surpass $5 billion.
In the final years of J.R.’s life, his reputation was marred by accusations of unsafe and abusive working conditions within the vast span of his business empire. In the midst of numerous lawsuits, his company was ordered to pay more than 200 billion in restitution to over 250 plaintiffs. Despite this, J.R. and Viola will remain figures who represent generosity, hard work, and kindness.
J.R. and Viola are survived by their only child, Timon, who is now left to continue his parents’ legacy of excellence, compassion, and philanthropy. The loss of the Ambroses is a profound one, felt deeply by their large network of friends, colleagues, and all those who were touched by their vision and generosity.A private memorial service was held in New York City, with a public celebration of their lives following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Ambrose Foundation, one of the couple’s many philanthropic ventures, which works to provide financial support to artists worldwide.
