Obituary of Alphonse Frank Sanza

It is with great sadness that the family of Alphonse Frank Sanza announces his passing on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at the age of 76 after a brief struggle with lung cancer.

     Al grew up in The Bronx, NY.  He served proudly in the United Stated Marine Corps from 1959 thru 1965, which began what would become a lifetime of service to others.  Always willing to volunteer, he was an active participant in many organizations, including Toys for Tots, Christmas for Kids, and even donned a white beard and red suit for Breakfast with Santa. 

        He was a member of American Legion Post 1250 and served as Commander from 1998-2002, and the Marine Corp League, of which he also served briefly as Commandant.  A devout Catholic, he was most notably a member of the Warwick Valley Knights of Columbus 4952, serving as Grand Knight from 2010-2012.  He helped organize “Saturday in the Park”, an annual event for families of children with special needs, and was the editor for the Florida Focus newspaper.  In 2015 he was named Citizen of the Year by the village of Florida, NY, a community he deeply loved.

      A devoted father and family man, he was predeceased by his daughter Elizabeth Anne (September 17, 2012), and is survived by his wife Cheryl, sister Silvia, son John, daughter-in-law Jennifer, and an army of friends whom he loved and who loved him back.

      Visitation will be held at TS Purta Funeral Home 22 Glenmere Ave. Florida, NY on Friday, July 13th from 2-4 and 7-9pm. 

      American Legion services will be held at 7pm, Knights of Columbus Services will be held at 7:30 pm on Friday during the visiting hours.

      Funeral Mass will be held at St. Stephens Church 75 Sandfordville Rd., Warwick, NY on Saturday, July 14th at 10am.

Burial will follow in St. Stephens Cemetery.

      In lieu of flowers donations in the name of Al Sanza may be made to “Access Supports for Living Picnic in the Park” (15 Fortune Road West, Middletown, NY 10941) or “Bereaved Parents of the USA” (10 Robert Drive, Florida, NY 10921).