Peter Patrick Sforza

Dr. Peter Sforza, 80, passed into the loving arms of his Savior on March 16, 2026. Peter lived with an enthusiasm that overflowed into every corner of his life and touched all who knew him. Whether riding along the Continental Divide, spending time with a drag racing team in Virginia, playing the accordion, or comforting a patient, he embodied what it means to live fully and purposefully. To Peter, every interaction was an opportunity to connect, to listen, and to engage wholeheartedly.

Peter was born on February 3, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York. A model student from an early age, his insatiable curiosity and keen intellect shaped the course of his life. Those qualities led him across the world to Montpellier Medical School in France, where he earned his medical degree—an extraordinary accomplishment made even more remarkable by the fact that he began his studies without knowing the French language.

Peter discovered his life’s calling in service to others. He dedicated his career to the Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salem, Virginia, where he specialized in interventional radiology and ultimately served as Head of Radiology. Retirement did not slow his commitment to healing. He continued caring for underserved communities, bringing his expertise and compassion to Native American populations in the western United States through the Indian Health Service.

Peter was known for his rare and generous spirit. He listened without judgment, laughed easily, and met others with sincere empathy. Comfortable with people from every walk of life, he paired boundless curiosity with a deep love for humanity. A true Renaissance man, Peter pursued a wide range of passions: helping his father-in-law build homes, playing poker, horseback riding, hiking, camping, and fostering shelter kittens. Ever adventurous, he learned to ride horses at age 61 and cherished trail rides shared with his wife.

Peter met his beloved wife, Linda, while they were working at a veterans hospital. Their twenty-five-plus years together were filled with laughter, partnership, and memorable travels. Even in retirement, Peter remained intellectually engaged, closely following advances in radiology and developments across the broader medical field.

Samuel 18:14

“In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him”

He will be forever missed.