Timon of Athens

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.

Publius “Paul” Ventidius, Sr., a former lawyer and influential figure in American politics, passed away this past weekend at the age of 68. Ventidius died of a heart attack while serving the final month of his three-year sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut.

Born on June 3rd, 1956, in Rochester, New York, Ventidius dedicated his life to public service and the principles of American conservatism. A graduate of both Yale University and Harvard Law School, he quickly rose through the ranks of his party, aided by his strategic acumen, unwavering commitment to his beliefs, and formidable influence in both state and national elections.

As an attorney, Ventidius championed conservative causes; he has widely been seen as the key force in the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Seila Law LLC v. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and other key conservative victories in the Supreme Court. He was an avid opponent to the Court’s Obergefell vs. Hodges, a decision which he continued to protest until his death.

Despite his professional accomplishments, Ventidius’s personal life was, at times, marred by controversy. When his first wife, Valerie Ventidius, died of breast cancer in 2008, it was a mere 5 months before Ventidius married once more (to a woman only 24 years of age). In 2015, Ventidius’s move towards the Presidential seat was derailed by a series of Tweets by his then-14-year-old son, Michael “Vox” Ventidius, Jr., who, in them, both came out as gay and accused his father of mistreatment and emotional neglect.
Tragically, Ventidius’s career and life took a further dark turn in 2021, when he was implicated in a high-profile case involving conspiracy, witness tampering, and obstruction of justice. The charges stemmed from actions taken during the previous year’s contentious election cycle. Despite maintaining his innocence, he was found guilty and sentenced to three years in prison. His conviction was a profound heartbreak for a man who had dedicated his life to upholding the law.
Ventidius’s legacy is a complex one, marked by significant contributions to American politics and law, as well as a scandal that overshadowed his final years. He will be remembered for his unwavering patriotism, his legal brilliance, and his courageous love for his family.
Paul Ventidius, Sr. is survived by his wife, Veronica; his eldest son, Paul Jr.; his daughter, Sarah Anne; and his youngest son, Michael. His family, friends, and colleagues will remember him as a man of conviction, a dedicated public servant, and a loving father. His life was a testament to the complexities of human nature and the enduring power of Christian beliefs, family values, and conviction.
A private memorial service will be held in New York City, and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Project 2025.