AMBROSE MEZATESTA

Ambrose Mezatesta, age 95, of North Syracuse, passed away peacefully while enjoying the sunshine in his nephew’s garden on a Tuesday afternoon. Born in Solvay, NY, Amby lived in or near Syracuse his whole life. Amby had a lifelong love of horses. As a young boy, he learned to ride at a farm on Velasko Road. At first, he paid for lessons and was proud that he learned to jump. As his skills improved, he no longer had to pay and was invited to come up regularly to exercise the horses. Amby was very bright and appreciated the opportunities that were offered to him. He was a hard worker, good at following directions, precise in planning and meticulous in all his endeavors. Beginning in 1933, at age 13, Amby worked as a busboy in a busy Syracuse restaurant. He earned money and learned a lot watching after-hours card games. At 16, he was invited to play. And he won! He continued to spend a lot of time in area restaurants, sometimes working with his brother, and sometimes conducting his own business. He was exceptionally knowledgeable about all sports – players/ statistics/ records/ odds – and especially enjoyed going to the track. He was smart enough to never have gotten into real trouble. Amby thought critically about business, construction projects, and everything else he encountered. He was a problem-solver. He was not judgmental, but he did not suffer fools. He did not gossip, but rather, would share his point of view directly with the person involved. As you can imagine, this was not always well received. He served in the US Navy for a couple years and described this time as, “a nice vacation on the Mediterranean.” Despite myriad health concerns, Ambrose’s mind stayed intact for all his 95 ½ years on earth. His memory and thought processes remained sharp! He chatted happily about current golfers and their records as well as baseball players and their accomplishments. He stayed up-to-date! He was frustrated when his mental capacity was underestimated due to his age and/or appearance. He was tired, but still on-the-ball. Ambrose was predeceased by his parents; Rose and Frank; brothers; Dominick and Dick; and his wife, Beverly. Surviving are his sister Angela Gonnella; daughter; Elaine Killingbeck DePasquale; beloved granddaughter; Jennifer and numerous nieces and nephews. Family and friends may call Wednesday, July 2, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM with a brief memorial service to follow at BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME, 2601 Milton Avenue, Solvay, NY 13209. Private burial will be held in Assumption Cemetery, Syracuse. Please share online tributes and memories at www.bagozzitwins.com.

AMBROSE MEZATESTA

December 19, 1929 - June 24, 2025