Alfonza Lonza Gaddy was the second son born to the late Rev. Adam and Martha Gaddy on January 13, 1934, in Anson County, North Carolina. He was well looked after by his parents and doting older brother Charlie as well as his seven sisters. He enjoyed a happy-go-lucky childhood on the farm in Peachland, NC. The Rev Adam Gaddy impressed upon his family the importance of a christian lifestyle by attending and supporting their church regularly. This was a habit he continued into his adult life. Alfonza graduated from the Polkton Colored High School in 1953 and shortly thereafter left his country roots for life in the big city of New York.

Alfonza married Ms. Vivian M Saylor in 1959. He was the father of one daughter, Wanda Yolanda Sykes and two sons: Michael Alfonza Gaddy and Tyrone Adam Gaddy. He impressed upon them the importance of getting a good education and the need to work hard for what they expected in life. Al was a tough-love kind of father who always made sure his family was well cared for.

Alfonza grew to be big and strong doing farm work! He learned that hard work had its rewards so he followed his older siblings north, where he learned carpentry on the job. His easygoing personality and friendly countenance gained him a mentor who taught him shop skills that allowed him to have a career that spanned more than twenty years in the cabinet making industry. He applied himself diligently and became a master cabinet maker who was eventually given the responsibility of going into customers’ homes to take measurements and plan for the appropriate renovations of their spaces.

Ever watchful of what his brother Charlie was doing, he soon became impressed by Charlie’s ability to sell cosmetics “door-to-door,” so he ventured into that field as well! Upon knocking on many doors without a sale, he finally sold a jar of BE SWEET deodorant and went home exhilarated! He was sure he could make a go of it as a salesman! It was a perfect fit as part-time employment and he applied himself to it with gusto. Once he got the hang of it and met Mr. S.B. Fuller his life’s trajectory was set. He made cabinets by day and sold cosmetics during evenings and weekends.

Following his formal retirement, Alfonza applied himself full-time to enriching the lives of others through sales. As a route salesman and later an Independent Distributor of Dudley Cosmetics (an outgrowth of the Fuller Cosmetics Company), he encouraged his customers to increase their professional skills by attending local workshops and seminars as well as pursuing cosmetology degrees at Dudley Cosmetology University (DCU) in Greensboro, NC. He employed a win-win strategy whereby he encouraged his clients to provide their customers with at-home maintenance counseling and products to keep their hair healthy between visits to their salons. The quiet country boy became a leader in the nationwide sales force of Dudley Q!

Al had a quiet but competitive nature! After watching his nephew teach his daughter to swim during a family reunion at a hotel in VA, he decided that he wanted to learn to swim! So, he joined the St John’s Recreation Center and went about learning to swim as part of the Senior Morning Pool Crew! Physical activity became an integral part of his days in retirement! His almost daily time spent in the exercise room and the swimming pool further supported his belief that “A Body In Motion Stays In Motion!”

Alfonza was freed from this life on May 25, 2026, after a long-fought battle with a debilitating disease! He took joy in living each and every day! Alfonza was preceded in death on April 8, 2023, by his wife of almost 63 years, Vivian M. Saylor Gaddy. Alfonza was the final link in the Rev Adam Gaddy and Martha Gaddy’s (Mother) brood of eleven children! He often lamented being the last of his clan but his mind stayed on God!

Left to cherish memories made with him are his children: Wanda Yolanda Sykes of Brooklyn, NY, Michael Alfonza Gaddy (Nicoli) of Brooklyn, NY, and Tyrone Adam Gaddy of Altoona, Pa., plus brother-in-law Samuel Saylor, Jr, two sisters-in-law, Lillian Gaddy (Albert) of St Albans, NY, and Lucille Gaddy (David) of Brooklyn, NY. Alfonza has eight grand Children all of whom he took time to know and form fun and instructional bonds with, they are Tarik M Sykes, Tymeek Gaddy, Tyreek Gaddy, Tyrell Gaddy, Tyrone Gaddy, Jr, Monifah Gaddy, Michael N Gaddy, Jr and Shameeka Legall, ten great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews as well as a host of clients and friends throughout New York and the whole of America! He will be sorely missed but never forgotten!

The family would like to thank Al’s outstanding caregivers, including but not limited to Ms. Carlene Clark, Mr. Alexander, and Mr. Deonati Jordan, who assisted him with his daily living activities while at home. Each of these caregivers provided unfailing support and compassion in his hours of need! You are appreciated!