Diane E. Ambrogio September 15, 1944 - April 10, 2025

Diane E. Ambrogio, 80, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Cedarbrook Nursing Home in Allentown, PA. Born in 1944 in Bound Brook, NJ, she was the daughter of the late John and Helen (Darrow) Ambrogio.

Diane worked as a telephone operator for Verizon until her retirement in 2008, and was previously employed by Mack Trucks. A caring single mother, she devoted endless time and attention to her children—driving them to art classes, ballet, soccer practice, paper routes, play rehearsals, and after-school jobs.

She found great joy in music and was a proud member of the Mack Chorus, St. Ann Choir, Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena Choir, Lehigh Saengerbund, and Good Vibrations Chorus.

Diane loved her family, her cats, and the arts. She regularly attended performances alongside her sister Marlene and close friends at Civic Theatre, Kutztown University, Lehigh, Muhlenberg, Symphony Hall, and the State Theatre in Easton.

Diane valued life-long learning, wisdom, and wellness. She studied massage, Reiki, and reflexology, took classes at IRL Cedar Crest and Lehigh Valley Active Life, and enjoyed craft shows and holistic expos. She often walked in the Rose Gardens and Trexler Park and looked forward to bus trips to New York City.

She was a generous spirit, contributing to many local and world-wide charitable causes and volunteering at LANA (Library Area Neighborhood Association), Episcopal House, and Meals on Wheels.

In 2015, Diane suffered a debilitating stroke that affected her speech and mobility, requiring her to move from her home on South 14th Street in Allentown to Above & Beyond assisted living. Despite her health challenges, her laughter, love for life’s small joys, and radiant spirit continued to shine. Her family is especially grateful to her many caregivers for their patience, compassion, encouragement, and loving care.

Diane was formerly married to the late David Stear of Bethlehem (divorced 1980). She is survived by her loving children: daughter Anne Lawrence of New York, NY; sons Roger Stear of Collegeville, Rick Stear (Marcelo) of New York, NY, and Ron Stear (Fernanda) of Aspen, CO; and grandchildren Jason, Justin, Jackson, Sophia, and Odin. She is also survived by her dear sisters Betty Barone (Bob) of White Plains, NY; Marlene Ambrogio (Dave, decd.) of Allentown; Gloria Ambrosia of Leland, NC; Barbara McFarland (David) of Bradenton, FL; and Beverly Wildonger (David) of North Venice, FL; as well as nieces Laura and Catherine Barone and nephew Spencer Wildonger.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 30 at 2:00 PM at Stephens Funeral Home, 274 N. Krocks Rd., Allentown, PA 18106. Calling hour will take place from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, prior to the service.