Obituary of Ambrose Melbourne Bredbenner, Jr.

     Surrounded by his loving wife Ruth and other family members, Ambrose Melbourne ‘Mel’ Bredbenner Jr. passed, at home, into the presence of his Lord on Friday, December 7, 2018.

   Mel was born on November 4, 1929 to parents Ambrose M Bredbenner Sr and his wife Margaret Barnum.  Though born in Berwick, PA, he spent most of his childhood in Wilkes-Barre PA, attending local grade school and graduating from Myers High in 1947. He went on to attend Drexel Institute of Technology, playing on the college's football team and earning a degree in Chemical Engineering. 

     A Captain in the US Army during the years of the Korean War, he was stationed in Anniston AL, Dallas TX and Ft. Smith AR.  He later served in the Army Reserves.

    Employed for 32 years with Ceramaseal, Inc. as a chemical engineer, he worked on research, design, and fabrication of ceramic insulators.

   Whether playing intramural volleyball and softball, cheering on his grandson, or watching televised games, Mel was a true sports fan. Few things gave him more pleasure than spending free time immersed in something athletic.

    A man of strong faith, he was active in the community and ministry life of Loudonville Community Church. He faithfully served as an elder, leader in Boy’s Brigade, Sunday School teacher and MOPS volunteer.  He could often be found chatting after church with a group of friends, or catching up on the lives of numerous young people. 

     Mel was a man of compassion and Christian character.  His family and friends knew he was one they could depend on for care, love and support. In his retirement years he entered into the world of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, acting as chauffeur and companion, and taking pride in their undertakings.

     In addition to his wife Ruth, Mel is survived by his three daughters, Melody Schloss (Jeff) of Santa Barbara CA, Candice Bredbenner (Manuel Avalos) of Wilmington NC, and Tami Flaherty (Aaron) of Troy; grandchildren Alta Hosley, Travis Colwell, Nathanael Schloss, Micah Schloss, and Gabriel Schloss; and ten great grandchildren.

     A memorial service will be held at 7:00 PM, Wednesday, December 12, 2018, at the Loudonville Community Church, 374 Loudonville Rd. (Route 9 and Crumitie Rd.) Loudonville, NY 12211, with the Rev. Paul S. Beck, Pastor, officiating.

         Friends are invited to call for one hour prior to the service, beginning at 6:00 PM.

     The interment service will on Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m., December 13^th, at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871.  Those attending should meet inside the gates of the cemetery by 10:15 a.m., fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled time. 

     In lieu of flowers, donations can be given in Mel’s memory to Loudonville Community Church, 374 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211, or to the Capital District Rescue Mission, 259 South Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12202.

     Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Morris – Stebbins – Miner & Sanvidge Funeral Home, 312 Hoosick Street, Troy, New York 12180.  Phone: 518-272-5802.

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