James Douglas Sfisco

James Douglas Sfisco, 64, of Somerville, NJ, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 22, 2025.

A lifelong resident of Somerville, James was a proud product of the community he adored. Born and raised in town, he graduated from Somerville High School in 1978, where he made a name for himself as a talented varsity baseball player. After high school, James joined his family’s business, DAS Supply Co., working as a distributor of elevator supplies to companies like Schindler and Westinghouse. His career later led him to work alongside his brother at Design Studio in Somerville, keeping family at the heart of everything he did. Then he joined working with his best friend Phil  at Tozzi Associates, a food health business where he enjoyed working for many years.

James’s love for Somerville was deep and unwavering. The only other place that truly felt like home was Long Beach Island (LBI), where he spent treasured summers with his parents and siblings. LBI held a special place in his heart—a place of sunshine, salty breezes, and timeless memories. Fate smiled on him again on Memorial Day weekend in 2009, when he met the love of his life, Malgorzata (Gosia), at the Somerville Bike Races. She had to go back to Poland, but his love and determination brought her back. She came back in 2012, from that moment on, she became his partner in life and in tradition. Together with Gosia and her sister, they continued the annual pilgrimage to LBI, visiting lighthouses, riding bikes, lounging on the beach, and reliving the beloved staples of James’ childhood. James loved to ride his bicycle—whether it was through the charming streets of Somerville or along the shores of LBI. He was also an avid softball player, a devoted New York Yankees fan, and a lifelong admirer of Elton John’s music. Jimmy had a lifelong love for the natural world, especially birds, flowers, and gardening. The cardinals, in particular, shared a special connection with him; they would follow him closely each morning, waiting with trust and ease to be fed, often perching just within arm’s reach. Their presence became a daily comfort and a beautiful reflection of his gentle spirit. Jimmy also found great joy in the kitchen, where he created unforgettable meals for those he loved. His wife often lovingly referred to him as her personal chef, a title he wore with pride and devotion.

To know James was to know kindness. He met everyone with a warm smile and a generous heart. He was the type of man who would help anyone, anytime. He forgave easily, believed in people, and always chose love. His actions spoke louder than words, especially when he made the selfless decision to leave his career to care for his ailing mother, allowing her to remain in the comfort of her home.

Family was everything to James, whether by blood or bond. He was proud to help sponsor his in-laws’ journey from Poland and lovingly referred to them as “Mom and Dad.” His ability to embrace others and make them feel like family was one of his most beautiful traits.

James was predeceased by his beloved parents, Vincent and Dorothy Sfisco; his two favorite aunts, Mary Crate and Ann Roskie; and his cousin, Robert Roskie.

James is survived by his loving wife Gosia, his siblings Tom ( John Tarmajore), Karen (Nabil Srouji), Kim ( Bob Wortman) and his sister in law Beata and his loving parents in law Teresa and Czeslaw, and his loving nephews and nieces James Barna, Brian and Sean Matthews, Bobby and Olivia Wortman, Isabel, Juliana, Gabriella Zavatsky. James' memory will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him, and his legacy of kindness, loyalty, and love will never fade.

James’ legacy is one of love, generosity, and unwavering loyalty to the people and places that meant the most to him. He will be profoundly missed by all who were lucky enough to be part of his world.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at The Church of The Immaculate Conception, 35 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

Inurnment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery, Bridgewater