Chef Sebastian "Buster" Ambrosia's Obituary
Chef Sebastian “Buster” Ambrosia passed away Sunday April 12, 2026.
Surrounded by his wife of 63 years, Vivian Ambrosia, daughters Darnell Ambrosia and Misha Ambrosia-Singletary, he spent his remaining days in his comfy chair with his bestest boy Caesar by his side, watching YouTube videos on Ancient Rome and a long playlist of old movies.
Chef Buster began his apprenticeship with the Hotel Corporation of America and graduating from Delgado Community College's (formerly Delgado Trades and Technical Institute) culinary program in 1959.
He then went to work at Metairie Country Club where he worked his way to Executive Chef and Kitchen Manager at the tender age of 23.
Broadening his horizons he worked for the Brennans Corporation, Night Chef Commander's Palace and Executive Chef at Mr. B's
In 1983, he took the big leap to opening his own place. Chef Buster's on the Northshore and later, Chef Buster's on the Southshore. It was here he mentored many up-and-coming restaurateurs and employing many people over the 29-year span.
During this time, he wrote three cookbooks, anchored a radio show on WWL titled, “Cooking with Ambrosia”; made many appearances on WWL, TV, PM Magazine, WVUE's New Orleans Cookbook, "Holiday Cooking with Ambrosia" for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, many of those times with his daughter, Darnell as his steadfast Sous Chef.
It was during this time Buster was involved with many charity endeavors for St. Michael's, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Chef's Soiree, and many school fairs throughout his lifetime.
In 1985, he represented Louisiana and the United States for the LRA, touring Formosa (The Republic of China) showcasing Louisiana Cuisine.
In 1986, he prepared more Louisiana Cuisine for the Congress and Senate of the United States.
He served as an adjunct professor at Delgado in 2005.
He was also a part time chef instructor at the Louisiana Culinary Institute.
He finally somewhat retired kicking and screaming in 1996, to play with his ham radios (wb5wqg), make his grandbaby her crib, cook Vivian a delicious meal be it a holiday or a Tuesday, or for her book club.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years Vivian Ann Nelson Ambrosia, Daughters' Darnell Ambrosia, her daughter Jacquelyn Ambrosia , Misha Ambrosia-Singletary, her husband William Singletary, Sister Paticia Wilson and her husband Wayne Wilson, Godchildren Toby Ambrosia and Charmaine Ramirez, Brothers Morris, Vincent Ambrosia, Sister Darlene Ambrosia Lee and a multitude of nieces and nephews both here and California and his bestest buddy, Caesar.
We appreciate the outpouring of love and support from our long-distance family in California, Diane, Charmaine, Buddy, Dawn, Debbie and the many cousins. We love and thank you all.
A service will be held at a later date at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Folsom, LA.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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