Alfonso Sarno

Longmeadow - Alfonso Sarno, 84, of Longmeadow, MA died January 9, 2020, after facing his Cancer battle with strength and humor. Alfonso was born January 6, 1936 in Bracigliano, Italy and was the devoted son of Domenico and Giovanna Sarno. In February 1948 Alfonso immigrated to the U.S. and settled in Springfield, MA. One of Alfonso’s fondest memories of his youth was when he dined with Bela Lugosi “Dracula” at Ciro’s in downtown Springfield. He attended Buckingham Jr. High and Trade High School, where he played soccer but quit school to get a job at Milton Bradley and the City of Springfield Streets and Engineering to help support his family. In 1956 Alfonso enrolled at Von’s Barber College in Hartford, CT and the rest is history. September 1956, Alfonso started his barbering career at Campus Barbershop in Springfield, MA. April 1960 Alfonso decided to open his own shop, called AL’s Barbershop on Dickinson Street in Springfield, MA, where he remained until his passing. Al was blessed with wonderful customers who he always looked forward to having in his chair. He enjoyed hearing about their families and was grateful for their support during the loss of his beloved wife, Clara. Al met the love of his life, Clara, in 1961 and married in 1962. Al was the proud father of three caring children who he and Clara raised in Springfield, where they enjoyed the sites of Forest Park, shopping at the “X” and various sporting events. Al’s favorite ways to pass the time were with family, mushroom hunting, tending to his Fig Tree and the MGM Casino his new Monday tradition with his brother, Gerry. Al was predeceased by his wife, Clara, and his brother, John. He leaves his 3 children, Domenic J. Sarno and wife, Carla of Springfield, Giovanna “Joanna” Cummings and husband, Shawn of Longmeadow, and Alfonso “Fonzie” Sarno of Longmeadow and Theresa Loschiava; grandchildren; Nicholas and Christopher Cummings and Cassandra and Chiara Sarno; brother, Germanio “Gerry” Sarno and Ginny Ellis of Longmeadow and many cousins, nieces and nephews. We were grateful for the visits by: Patsy Izzo, Kevin Garvey, Gerry Calvanese, Richard Kopeski, Giuseppe Polimeni, John Nettis, Mary Delnegro, Wendy Tolbert, Benita Holmes and Charles Bester who just wanted to make sure our Dad was doing well, it meant the world to him and us. To all his customers, thank you for the loyalty and laughs each time you sat in his barber chair. A special thank you to all staff that helped during this time from Baystate Visiting Nurse/Hospice especially; Sarah MacDonald, Julie Kirchner, Paula Picard, Melissa Roberts and Peter Wilson for their compassion and care. Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Monday, January 13th from 3-7PM at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow. Al’s funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 14th, beginning at the funeral home at 8:30AM followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church at 10AM. Burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery. Donations may be made in Alfonso Sarno’s memory to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Building Fund, 123 William St., Springfield, MA 01105 or Baystate VNA and Hospice, 280 Chestnut St. 6th Floor Springfield, MA 01199. For more information or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.forastiere.com