By: Rylee Ahnen, Oregon Professional Staff Organization
Marius Ambrose, who served as the National Staff Organization’s (NSO) Vice President of Defense from 1992 to 2013, passed away on August 19, 2025, at the age of 85. His passing marks the loss of a tireless union advocate whose voice, vision, and integrity shaped NSO and the broader labor movement for more than two decades.
Current NSO President Brad Darjean reflected on the depth of that loss: “Marius served others throughout his entire adult life. He always fought for the little guy. His life really was a testament to the power of organized labor, and he intentionally brought people along behind him. We are fortunate he gave himself to the staff union the way he did.”
Ambrose’s story began far from the halls of union negotiations. Born in Lithuania in 1939, he and his family endured the upheaval of World War II, living in a displaced persons camp in Munich before emigrating to Newark, New Jersey, in 1949. Those early years of hardship forged in him a relentless work ethic. He took jobs in junkyards, on the docks, and in the postal service to support his family, all while pursuing his education.
He graduated from East Side High School in 1958 and went on to Newark State College, where he majored in history and psychology. After marrying and starting a family, Marius taught psychology and European history for 15 years, all while earning a master’s degree in 19th-century Russian history from New York University and studying education administration at Rutgers.
These academic and teaching years honed the two qualities that would define his later career: a deep respect for learning and an ability to explain complex ideas with clarity and conviction.
In 1979, Ambrose left the classroom to join the Maryland State Teachers Association as a union representative. It was there that he discovered the work that would define the rest of his life: standing up for the rights of educators and union staff. By the early 1990s, NSO itself was still relatively young, a growing organization finding its place in the labor movement.
Ambrose stepped into national leadership at a critical time. Elected Vice President of Defense in 1992, he helped shape and refine NSO’s defense program as the union expanded into a truly national force with affiliates across the country.
Former NSO President Chuck Agerstrand described his impact: “Some people have said that Marius was NSO’s defense program, and that is true. He was quite a force, a force that people leaned on to help them, but also a force to be reckoned with. When he spoke, he spoke for NSO, and not only for NSO, but for the union movement in general.”
The defense program that Ambrose helped build is central to NSO’s mission. It ensures that members are respected, protected, and empowered in their own workplaces. By defending the rights of union staff, NSO strengthens the very organizations those staff serve, and in turn, bolsters the larger labor movement.
Ambrose understood this deeply. He knew that every grievance pursued, every contract upheld, every member defended rippled outward: making state associations stronger, sharpening national advocacy, and proving the enduring power of solidarity. His sharp mind and steady voice became synonymous with that vision of defense.
Yet Ambrose’s legacy is not only measured in negotiations won or rights defended, but in the lives he touched. He mentored colleagues, inspired younger leaders, and brought warmth and humor to even the most difficult work.
Current NSO Vice President of Defense Justin Zartman recalled: “Marius set the bar for what it means to represent union members with dedication, integrity, and strength. His example continues to guide NSO in the work we do today. I enjoyed the conversations we had, sometimes over a glass of grappa, and our shared passion for fighting for NSO members across the country. He always had a great story to share and lit up any room he was in. Marius will be deeply missed.”
Even after his retirement in 2013, Ambrose remained committed to service. Settling in Lewes, Delaware, with his wife Janet, he became a volunteer with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), advocating for children in foster care. He also dedicated time to community service through the Elks and remained closely tied to his Lithuanian heritage.
With Janet, he traveled widely, always curious, always eager to learn and experience more of the world. Friends and colleagues recall his humor, his love of a good story, and his ability to bring warmth and energy into every gathering.
Ambrose’s life traced a remarkable arc: from a child refugee of World War II, to a teacher and scholar, to one of the most influential leaders of NSO. Through it all, he remained dedicated to the ideals of fairness, solidarity, and justice.
As Darjean put it, Ambrose’s voice and lessons remain with NSO leadership today, guiding their work: “I’ll always hear his voice in my head and feel his presence in my heart. I’ll remember his stories, and his lessons. There was so much more I would have liked to discuss with him, and there was so much more I could have learned. I promised him I would carry on the work of the Organization, and I will continue onward and upward.”
His voice may be stilled, but his influence continues. In the leaders he mentored, the members he defended, and the organization he helped shape. For those who knew him, whether across the bargaining table or across a glass of grappa, Marius Ambrose leaves behind not only a record of service but a legacy of courage and care that will endure.
Thank you, Rylee. A great tribute to someone who left a lasting mark on his colleagues and the union we are a part of, NSO. Solidarity Marius.
Thank you for a wonderful tribute to a long-time NSO advocate.
Wonderful! Thank you Rylee Ahnen. RIP Marius and Thanks
Marius’s passing hurts. His time here with us was too short, but his life leaves a lasting memory: a great guy, a devoted father, a loving spouse, a tireless advocate, and a true friend. He taught us how to stand up for others, how to be brave when it mattered, and how to show kindness in the quiet moments.
We will remember his swagger, his sense of humor, his fierce advocacy, and his capacity to care. We will remember him as someone who made ordinary days feel important.
Marius, thank you for your friendship, your counsel, and your loyalty. Thank you for the laughter, for the serious conversations, and for the times you simply showed up and your expressions of love. I will miss you deeply my brother.