October 10, 1932 - May 7, 2019

On Tuesday, May 7, 2019 Alex Ambruso peacefully passed away surrounded by family. He was born to Nichola and Gaetana Ambruso on October 13, 1932 in Brooklyn, New York. Alex, his parents and brother Dino spent many years living in New York before moving to California.

Alex was graduate of the prestigious Stevens Institute of Technology, located in Hoboken New Jersey. After completing his education Alex worked as an engineer in the Aerospace industry and on government projects for over 40 years.

Early on Alex exhibited a life-long passion for learning, that amazed all who knew him. He became an accomplished cook, a train enthusiast and was an eternal problem solver. At any time he could be found working on a variety of projects, whether it was building a bread/pizza oven in his backyard, developing a train system to deliver his baked items to his family and friends (waiting to enjoy his concoctions at the backyard table) or thinking about ways to improve a variety of inventions. He also enjoyed photography, being outdoors and tending to his garden.

In the 90’s Alex met Adele Alexander, a long time Downey resident and he fell in love. They were married in 1995 and as a couple enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. Together, they taught Italian Cooking and Travel at Rancho Santiago Community College, entered an Ice Skating Competition (Alex broke his shoulder), went skiing in Sun Valley, Idaho, did a lot of ballroom dancing, took painting classes, etc.

When diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Alex initially did not let his disease slow him down. He continued to travel, work on projects and maintained his zest for life. In his later years, when forced to slow down he enjoyed spending time with family and friends and still managed to work on projects, but did not clean up his own mess!

Alex is survived by his wife, Adele Ambruso, Susan Luchay (Don Luchay), Diane Ambruso, Janet Basalone (Tim Basalone) and his five grandchildren. He was very fortunate to have been close to Adele’s children, grandchildren and siblings who welcomed him into their family and always treated him so wonderfully.

“A life so beautifully lived, deserves to be remembered.” The family and friends of Alex Ambruso will be celebrating his life privately on Sunday, May 26, 2019.