Alexander D. Lombardi

Alexander was born October 31, 1929 into a family of first-generation Italian immigrants. His mother had a small jewelry business and having great artistic talent, he attended the Rhode Island School of Design to learn jewelry design but decided a career in jewelry was not for him. His passion was to join the military and serve his country so in 1948, at age 19, he joined the National Guard. After basic training and 16 weeks of technical training he was placed on active duty in the Air Force.

His first station was at Camp Edwards, Cape Cod, MA where he met his true love, Dora-Lee Ambrose at a bowling alley. Lee allowed him to drive her and her girlfriends home that evening. Two days later they had their first date; visiting her girlfriend at work. Because Lee was always talking to her girlfriend, Al scribbled notes to her. By the end of the evening the note contained the words, “will you marry me?” The written answer was, “I’ll take a chance if you will.” They married 2 weeks later.

Al’s Air Force career took him to Libya, Korea, Vietnam, Germany, Italy, and various bases in the U.S. He transferred to Key West just in time for the Cuban Missile Crisis and he was in Berlin when the Wall went up. Pres. Kennedy signed papers sitting at his desk and he spoke with Secy of Defense McNamara. He entered the Air Force as an airman, was offered a commission after achieving the highest enlisted rank and retired as Lieutenant Colonel after 38 years of service. In 2005, he and Lee moved to Pensacola to be close to family.

Al enjoyed wood working, oil painting, and socializing in the Sons of Italy Italian lodge. Above all, he was fiercely devoted to his family. He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Dora-Lee, and his son, Capt. Alan Lombardi. He is survived by his children Lorraine (Uwe) and Michael (Dawn), grandkids Christopher, Shelley, Joshua, Nicholas, and Andrew, and great-grandchild Annika.

Visitation and funeral mass at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church beginning at 10 a.m., followed by interment in Barrancas National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. December 14, 2020 with full military honors. Patriot Guard motorcycle escort.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home.