Dr. Alfred V. Sforza, 1939-2020

Dr. Alfred V. Sforza, a local dentist and historian, as well as a lifelong resident of the Town of Huntington, died April 1.

He was born on August 26, 1939 in Huntington to Lena (Bifulco) and Alfred A. Sforza. He grew up in Huntington Station, and graduated from Huntington High School in 1957.

It was at Huntington High School that he met the love of his life, the former Barbara J. Albin. They married on June 10, 1961.  After high school, he attended Fordham University, New York University Heights, and NYU College of Dentistry. He started a local family dentistry practice in 1966 and was a dentist in Huntington for 51 years. Many patients remember how much personal care and attention he gave them. He was always there to listen to a problem and offer advice.

In addition to his practice, he was an associate clinical professor of pediatric dentistry at NYU College of Dentistry for 40 years.

He was in practice for 30 years with his son, Anthony, who continues to maintain the practice that they built together.  He is also survived by daughters Debra and Sharon.

His love of history and research of his family’s connection to Huntington Station led him to become involved in the Huntington Historical Society. His father, affectionately known by all as “Freddie the Shoemaker,” had a business in Huntington for over 60 years. The doctor’s memories of his father’s business and the surrounding neighborhood is what initially inspired him to write. What started as a hobby of collecting photographs, memorabilia, and stories of the town he loved turned into years of commitment to his books, his lectures, and serving his community as a three-term member of the Huntington Historical Society Board of Trustees.

His trilogy of books entitled, “Portrait of A Small Town,” contains the personal and pictorial history of both Huntington and Huntington Station. In addition, he co-authored a historical book containing numerous photographs that portray the people and events from the early years of Huntington Village. His wish was to bring back the images and stories of the community he grew up in that had drastically changed over the years. He wanted the spirit of a small town, including the values of a simpler time, to be carried on by future generations.

He  also gave countless lectures on this history of Huntington at schools, libraries, churches, and community organizations. He most recently spoke at the Huntington High School National Honor Society induction ceremony.

Through his books and contributions, as well as his close ties with the area and the people who live there, he will forever be part of the heart of our community. He devoted many Sundays to being a eucharistic minister and assisted in being an usher at St. Patrick’s Church.

In addition to history, he loved doing research on any subject, and had an endless desire to learn. He liked collecting historical artifacts, maintaining classic cars, and making useful gadgets. He enjoyed sharing stories and making people laugh. If there was a microphone in a room, he would be on it – singing “That’s Amore,” or telling jokes. He loved spending special times with his family, ​ socializing with his many friends, and being at his home in Vermont. He loved his family and above all, he loved his wife. One of his many virtues was listening to people he cared about and helping them in any way he could.

Dr. Sforza’s family plans a church mass and memorial celebration of his life as soon as they are able to. Family and friends will be notified of the date and location. In lieu of flowers, a donation page will be set up to contribute to organizations that represent his values best.

Information supplied by  MAConnell.com 

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