Obituary of Alfred Sforza

In Loving Memory of Dr. Alfred V. Sforza Dr. Alfred V. Sforza, a local dentist and historian, as well as a lifelong resident of the Town of Huntington, left our world to be home with God on April 1, 2020. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Dr. Al was born on August 26, 1939 in Huntington, NY 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 and their life together has been a beautiful love story that is an inspiration to all who have been a part of it. 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 highly respected 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, Dr. Al was an Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at NYU College of Dentistry for 40 years. He truly enjoyed sharing his knowledge and teaching others. 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. Dr. Al’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. Dr. Al’s 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 believed we should learn from mistakes of the past with the future in mind. He also made 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. Dr. Al will always be remembered for being the incredible man he was: kind, loving, loyal, and generous. Truly one of a kind. 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. He touched the lives of everyone he met with his welcoming smile and warm presence. Dr. Alfred V. Sforza, as well as the memories of his incredible life, will be forever cherished by his devoted wife and best friend, Barbara; his children who love and respect him; his grandchildren who love and admire him, and his great-grandchildren who lovingly look up to him. *Dr. Al’s wife and daughters plan to have 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 Dr. Al’s values best. -Sharon Sforza Buehrig (4.5.2020)