Community Leader Gets Sunset Park Street Named After Him

SUNSET PARK, BROOKLYN — A stretch of 44th Street in Sunset Park is now also known as "Charles A. Sferrazza Way," after a longtime resident who was a leader in the community.

Friends and family of Sferrazza, along with City Councilman Carlos Menchaca, dedicated the new street last week at a ceremony at 44th Street and Eighth Avenue.

"We always need people who will take initiative, encourage others and help their community. Mr. Sferrazza’s life exemplified the best qualities you could hope for in a neighbor," Menchaca said, according to the Brooklyn Reporter. "As it was in his generation, Sunset Park is still a thriving immigrant neighborhood and young community leaders of tomorrow will find inspiration in Mr. Sferrazza’s story."

Sferrazza, who died in 1975, was raised in Sunset Park and played a key role in several community organizations.

He was a member of Community Board 7, served on the board of directors of the Lief Erikson Softball League and served on the NYPD's 72nd precinct community council.

He served as president of the 44th Street Block Association and helped teach neighbors to start block associations of their own, according to press release from Menchaca's office.

"My dad loved his family and was very committed to the community. He lived here, so he wanted to build a solid, secure community," his son, Anthony, said, according to the Brooklyn Reporter. "It’s not about people going about their own business, it’s about people helping people. Neighbors reaching out to neighbors and helping each other."

Read more from the Brooklyn Reporter here.

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