James Vincent Sferrazza, Age 90, Loving Husband of the late Kathleen Sferrazza for over 59 years, died in his Lakeville home on May 9th, surrounded by loving family members after a brief illness.
James, better known as Jim, Pop, or Grandpa, will be forever known by his loved ones for his stubborn strength, and his generosity. A man of modest means, he would reach deep to help loved ones in need, and he did that regularly.
He was born in South Boston, one of six children born to Mary (O’Donnell) and Vincent Sferrazza.
He joined the Army after leaving South Boston High School, and served honorably during the Korean War Era.
Shortly after his discharge, he met the love of his life and was married. They lived in South Boston and they began having children and growing their family - Debbie and Mark in 1963, James in 1965, and after moving the family to Brockton, John in 1967. He would tirelessly provide for his family of four, working as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service, and also doing a variety of part-time jobs, so mom could remain at home and raise their flock. Besides working, he also went back to school, earning his high school equivalency, and even going to college to earn an Associate’s Degree in Management from Newbury Junior College.
In 1991, tragedy struck hard, as his third child, Jim, died in a car accident at the age of 25. Any parent knows that losing a child is the largest loss one will ever face, and it left an indelible mark. Soon after, he and his wife would pack up and leave Brockton, and that house with so many family memories, and move south to Lakeville, now as empty-nesters. He would reside there for the next 35 years, until his passing.
1997 was an amazing year for him, as two of his four grandchildren were born - Erin Nicole, to Mark and April (Nye), and Jordan Nicole, to John and Judi(Bulger). He would be blessed with two more grandbabies, James Patrick (his deceased son’s namesake) in 1999 and finally, Jillian in 2003. He would find love and a renewed sense of purpose in his grandchildren, treasuring every moment he had with them. He particularly loved the opportunity he had to babysit Jordan as an infant and beyond. He showed a peace and joy while caring for her that few had seen, particularly since the passing of his son. He, no doubt, enjoyed time with all his grandkids, and followed their lives and activities closely, attending events, cheering them on, and faithfully clipping newspaper articles that mentioned their names. When not doting over his grandchildren, you might have found him reading or writing. After retirement, he took to pen and paper and wrote poems and stories, many of which were based loosely on his life’s events. He was always reading, and was proud to say that even at his advanced age, was able to read without glasses! He was raised a Catholic, and loved watching his grandchildren make all the blessed sacraments there, happily attending their baptisms, communions, and confirmations! Even nearing the end, he was regularly reading his Bible and devotionals, trying to get to know God better.
May he forever rest in the peace and love found only in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
A Celebration of Life service will take place at the Lakeville Church of the Nazarene (180 Main Street, Lakeville, MA 02347) at 9:00am on Thursday, May 14, 2026. It will be followed by a brief graveside service at Melrose Cemetery, Brockton, for family members only.
Any donations may be made to the Dementia Society of America, in loving memory of his beloved wife, Kathleen Sferrazza. His family thanks you for your loving support.