Longtime Business Owner Vincent Sferrazza Dies

Vincent Sferrazza, a businessman in Enfield for more than half a century, passed away Wednesday, June 13. He was 89.

After immigrating to the United States from his native Italy as a toddler in 1924, Sferrazza graduated from in 1942, and began working with his father, Joseph, who was a tailor.

The family tailoring business eventually expanded into shoes, and Vincent's Family Shoes became a staple of the Thompsonville business district on North Main Street, next to the Thompsonville Drug Store.

Sferrazza and his sister Margaret prospered in that location until the urban renewal project of the 1970s led them to relocate the store to a small three-business building on Enfield Street, diagonally across from the North Thompsonville Fire Department. The duo operated Vincent's Family Shoes in the center store, and added on the north side to cater to children.

In 1993, Sferrazza sold the adult shoe store to Sam Fiore, but continued to run the children's business until selling it in 1995. Margaret passed away in May 1996.

"He was a wonderful man," Fiore said Friday. "He helped me and was a fair businessman. Margaret was very instrumental in the business's success. They were very close."

Lucille Deschaine, longtime administrative assistant with the N, said Sferrazza was a very active, generous member. "He was always donating to our golf tournament and other events," she said.

Retired Chamber of Commerce executive director Larry Tracey said he and his wife Michele were patrons of Sferrazza's store for many years. "I always recognized him as an honest businessman who charged a fair price for good service, and was an all-around nice guy," he said.

Sferrazza is survived by his wife of 57 years, Anna, and five children.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 18 at 10:30 a.m. at , 426 Hazard Ave., Enfield. Burial will follow in St. Patrick's King Street Cemetery.

Calling hours will be Sunday, June 17, from 4-8 p.m. at , 43 Shaker Rd., Enfield.