Alphonse Ambrosia

Alphonse Ambrosia, 63, left this world in the presence of his family on November 22, 2004 at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa. Al was born to Michael and Theresa Ambrosia in Manhattan, New York on December 17, 1940. He resided in Tempe and Gilbert since 1976. He attended the University of Louisville, where he met his bride. After moving back to New York and starting his family, he graduated from Marist College in New York with a degree in Finance and worked for IBM in research and information systems for many years. Moving to Tempe in 1976 he worked in management in the semi-conductor and computer industry. He earned his PhD from the Kennedy Western University and was a professor at Grand Canyon University and Rio Salado College, teaching classes on-line up until his passing. He committed his life to raising his four sons and providing for his family. He was active in Little League as a coach for many years and he was always his sons' and grandchildren's No. 1 fan, attending as many games as he possibly could, whether down the road or across the country. He had a love for arts of all kinds, from woodwork to pottery to stained glass and never tired of creating beautiful "labors of love" for his family, especially his grandchildren and friends. In his later years he worked tirelessly raising funds for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Gilbert. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Angela, his sister, Susan Ambrosia of Gilbert, 4 sons; Angelo Ambrosia of Longmont Co., Andrew Ambrosia and his wife, Heidi, of Gilbert, Anthony Ambrosia and his wife, Seandee of Gilbert, Alphonse Ambrosia and his wife, Leslie of Gilbert, his niece Kellie Ambrosia of Gilbert and 10 grandchildren; Alphonse, Devin, Danielle, Tyler, Thomas, Thalia, Jacob, Madison, Mario and Malia. His family and those who had the fortune to call him "friend" will remember him for his integrity, his love for animals, nature and the arts, his gentle manner, his knowledge of so many things, his forgiving and accepting attitude of all people, and most of all his great love. We will miss you so much Popi. Donations in lieu of flowers will be thankfully accepted to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at Pueblo de Amor, located at 4542 E. Inverness Ave. Mesa, AZ 85206. Public visitation will be held on Sunday, November 28, 2004, between 6pm to 8pm at Falconers Funeral Home located at 251 W. Juniper Gilbert, AZ. Funeral mass will be at St. Anne's Catholic Church, located at 440 E. Elliot Rd. Gilbert, on Monday November 29, 2004 at 11:00am.