Charles Sforza, 83

Charles Sforza, 83, of Byfield, Massachusetts, passed away on the evening of July 20, 2024, after a period of declining health, surrounded by his wife and family at his daughter’s home in Gilmanton.

Charles was born in Revere, Massachusetts, the son of the late Catherine (Sacheta) Sforza of Everett, Massachusetts, and Pasquale Sforza of Mirabella, Italy. He graduated from Revere High School in the class of 1958. During his early school years, he met Joann Fitzgerald, the love of his life. The two dated throughout high school, and they married in 1963. The couple first lived in Georgetown, Massachusetts, before purchasing their family home in Byfield, Massachusetts, where they raised their seven children. He attended Boston University for almost two years, and while there he was an active member of the National Society of Pershing Rifle. 

Charles proudly served in the U.S. Army at Fort Devens as staff sergeant first class. A farmer by birth, Charles learned the trade alongside his father, Pasquale, on their farm in Revere, Massachusetts, primarily growing crop vegetables such as Roma tomatoes and leeks. These were transported for sale to the New England Produce Market in Boston and distributed to local Star Markets. After his discharge from the Army, he helped establish Sforza Farm in West Newbury, Massachusetts, with his father and brothers, Patsy and Frederick. Eventually, Charles transitioned from crop farming to horticulture, cultivating flowers, vegetables, and herbs in a greenhouse selling for retail sale. From this passion grew “Byfield Greenhouses” behind the family home in Byfield. Starting small, he built seven greenhouses by his own hand, renowned for producing the healthiest and most beautiful flowers in the region. He took particular pride in his trademark geraniums, originally cut and rooted by himself for many years. Customers, who became longtime friends, traveled from all over to admire and purchase his floral masterpieces.

Charles was a quiet and introspective man who lived with integrity. He cherished god, his family, the Byfield community, his dogs, the earthy scent of a greenhouse, music, singing, and the natural world. He spoke with thoughtfulness, meaning, and great care, his wisdom treasured by all fortunate enough to converse with him. He started every day with a 1-mile trip to the Main Street Mini Mart where he would pick up the newspaper and a scratch ticket. His children fondly recall rides with him “to market” or “to the farm” in the farm truck, where he serenaded them with songs.

In the summer of 2022, Charles made the difficult decision to close Byfield Greenhouses following the tragic loss of his youngest daughter, Susan. He could not continue the business after her passing, and he figuratively and quite literally died of a broken heart.

Charles is survived by Joann, his wife and life partner of 70 years, and six of his seven children: Tammy Sforza of Exeter, Charles Sforza Jr. (Darlene Gray) of Byfield, Massachusetts, Catherine Sforza (Gene Schwartz) of Georgetown, Massachusetts, Laura Sforza of Kensington, Steven Sforza of Lee, and Julie Sforza-Smith (Jason Smith) of Gilmanton. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Anthony, Charles (CJ), Deanna, Olivia, Christina, Travis, Alicia, Antonio, Nora Cate, Dominic and Myles; and seven great-grandchildren, Addison, Reagan, Emelia, Mathias, Kiera, Nathan and Kayla, who fondly referred to him as “Beba.” Charles is also survived by his twin sister, Marie (Sforza) Walsh of Beverly, Massachusetts; several of his Sacheta family, aunts, uncles and cousins from Everett, Massachusetts, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

He was predeceased by his beloved youngest daughter and work partner, Susan Sforza, his brothers Patsy and Frederick Sforza, and his canine companions Tessie, Telly, and all the Dukes.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, and all who knew him.

Family and friends are kindly invited to his visitation on Sunday afternoon, from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, July 28, in the Conte-Giamberardino Funeral Home, 14 Pleasant St., Georgetown, Massachusetts. His funeral service will be held at The Byfield Parish Church, 132 Jackman St., Georgetown, Massachusetts, on Monday morning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the South Byfield Cemetery, Georgetown. For funeral home directions, florists or to share a memory of Charles with his family, visit cgfuneralhomegeorgetown.com.