Devoted father and coach

Andy “Salty” Lambo, a former Claremont resident and beloved local sports coach, died from complications of congestive heart failure on April 16, 2016. He was 70.

He was born July 31, 1945 in Jersey City, New Jersey to Norma M. Lambo and Andrew T. Lambo, who in the ‘70s was mayor of Montebello. Andy graduated from Montebello High School in 1963, after which he attended college at USC, followed by Cal State Los Angeles. He graduated with a major in finance and business. 

Mr. Lambo became a stockbroker, a career he was passionate about for more than 20 years. He later entered into real estate and was a successful real estate and loan agent. He was a cherished member of the Claremont community in the 1980s and 1990s and, needless to say, he loved Claremont. 

Through the 1980s, he was a football and softball coach for both of his children. Not only was he a beloved coach,  he served as a mentor for many of the students at Claremont High School during this time. In his later years, Mr. Lambo became involved in a different kind of coaching, guiding business owners in the art of social networking. Mr. Lambo was a world-class poker player, who was referred to as “Coach” by his peers. Of course, he remained an ardent USC fan, always cheering for his alma mater to “Fight on!” He also had a passion for flying planes, a pastime he enjoyed for more than a decade.

Mr. Lambo was known for opening his home to anyone who came by, and was more than willing to host social gatherings for family and friends. If someone didn’t have a place to go during the holidays, they could rest assured they were welcome in his lovely home. “Andy always had a big smile, giant personality and a warm heart to provide to anyone he came in contact with,” his family shared. “He will be deeply missed and will live forever in our hearts.”

Mr. Lambo is survived by his loving wife, Joan Lambo; his sister, Jinx Lambo; his children, Dean Lambo and Tiffany Lambo, and his stepson John Pruess. He also leaves his niece Jennifer Taylor and his grandchildren, Mason, Laird and Lucy Pruess, whom he cherished.

Services for Andy “Salty” Lambo will be held on Saturday, May 21 at 10:30 a.m. at the Water of Life Community Church, located at 7623 East Ave. in Fontana.