N. A. "Bert" Lamberti

In Loving Memory of N. A. "Bert" Lamberti 1920 - 2008 Bert Lamberti came from a small town called Ankeny, Iowa, in the heartland of America, the youngest of five children and the only one born in America. His family carved out their spot as new Americans by hard work and entrepreneurship with an ice and grocery store. Bert was a successful student and athlete in high school, then attended Iowa State University. He had a knack for logic and busine ss, and graduated in 1943 with a B.S.I.E. The war was full swing, so he enlisted in the Naval Air Corps, served with distinction as a production engineer, and survived a flaming plane crash. After achieving the rank of Lieutenant,he began his career in manufacturing at Northrop Aircraft in 1947 as a production engineer. Simultaneously he studied at USC and attained an MBA by 1950. Desiring to further his knowledge and experience, Bert changed careers joining McCulloch Motors as chief industrial engineer, an d was promoted to Director of Material, and then to Assistant Vice President of Manufacturing, with responsibility for 2500 employees. It was here that he met the love of his life, Joan. They married shortly after and lived in Inglewood, where their first child, Catherine, was born. Ryder Elliot, a furniture manufacturer, was Bert's next career move. His new titles were VP and GM. After his second daughter, Lynda, was born he decided to return to academics at USC as an associate professor at the graduate sc hool of business, earning an MSIE and DBA. His son Michael was born during this time and, upon Bert's graduation with distinction, he accepted the position at Studebaker as VP of Operations. The family moved to South Bend, IN, and developed a lifetime loyalty for Notre Dame in addition to USC. Universal American was his next stop as Exec VP of Operations for 38 plants around the world, so the family of five made their way to Greenwich, CT, while Bert commuted to NYC. This was an amazing time for him, travel ing throughout the world, including Africa, Asia, India, and Europe. UA was bought out and Bert made the decision to move back to the West Coast in 1970 to settle in Pasadena, CA. He returned to teaching at USC while starting Lamberti Industries for industrial consulting. In 1975, he began a search for the 'perfect' company that he could call his own and purchased Tools & Production in Temple City. Its unique niche for one-of-a-kind rotary punch machines was a perfect match for the former captain of industr y's engineering and marketing expertise. His son Michael became the GM in 1980, and in 1986 Bert sold his company to a large conglomerate and retired with wife Joan. (Following in his father's footsteps, Michael bought the company back in 1996.) The loving couple moved to Glendora, where his life revolved around his extended family, golf, USC football, investing, Catholic charities, and social philanthropy. Throughout all his accomplishments in industry, Bert kept family at the top of the list. Boy Scout le ader, model rocket launcher, father and son/daughter golf tournament partner were some of the many activities that formed strong bonds with his children over the decades. As the 'Don' of the West Coast Lamberti clan, all came to him for advice, guidance, and heartfelt conversations. With knowledge of the world, spreadsheets, football, finance, and engineering, he could pass on sage words to any family member, friend, associate, or man on the street. Harsh words never came from him. There was always a way to look at something differently, calmly, and acutely. His wisdom and understanding will be sorely missed in this world. The academic symbols listed after his name were a hard act to follow, but the children did just that with 2 MBAs, an RN degree, and an MIE, all from USC. A prouder father you will never find. His undying love for golf that began in junior high led him to join many country clubs throughout the US, including Greenwich, Annandale, Lake Arrowhead, and Ironwood in Palm Desert. His club life, whi ch included the Jonathan Club since 1971, served as an avenue for meeting and making many lifetime friends. With Joan at his side they were committed to their calling to help others through the Catholic Education Foundation, Knights of Malta, and Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. Academic accomplishments include: Phi Kappa Phi, Beta Gamma Sigma, Tau Beta Pi, Pi Mu Alpha. His associations include: Fellow in Soc. Of Mgt, Registered Prof. Eng, Sr Member AIIE, Who's Who listings in: WW of America-The West-Finance and Industry-The World, American Mgt Assoc. Catholic Charities: Knight of Sovereign Military Order Of Malta, Knights of the Holy Sepulchre (Area Councillar 5 years), Silver Palm of Jerusalem, Catholic Education Foundation. Boards of Directors: Boys Scouts of America, Chairman-Bd of Eng Counselors-Cal Poly, President's Council Cal Poly, Franklin Electric, Universal American, Young Spring & Wire, Daybrook-Ottawa, Koyo-Van Norman, Pullman-Flexolators. Trusteeships: Mayfield High School, La Salle High School, C ardinal and Gold USC. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joan, daughters Catherine (Chris) Considine and Lynda (Greg) Stubblefield, son Michael (Cindy), granddaughter Nicole Stubblefield, and grandsons Jonathan and Philip Lamberti. Funeral Mass will be celebrated this Saturday, December 13 at 11:00 am at St. Dorothy's Church, 241 S. Valley Center, Glendora CA. Capes & Mantillas are requested to be worn by members of the order. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Catholic Ed ucation Foundation (213 637-7475) for a scholarship fund Cabot & Sons, directors.