Americo Borza

Americo Borza, a true “Sarasotan” born at Sarasota Memorial Hospital on May 5, 1942, passed away on September 22, 2025. A respected Sarasota attorney for almost 50 years, Americo was known for his boundless curiosity, constant learning, and extraordinary intelligence. He possessed a passion for always “doing the right thing,” exuded integrity, and lived by an unshakable moral code that guided every aspect of his life.

The third of four children born to Charlie and Thea Borza, Americo was named in honor of his parents’ pride in becoming U.S. citizens after immigrating from Europe through Ellis Island in 1940. (Had he been a girl, he would have been named “America.”)

Charlie and Thea Borza were celebrated circus performers in Europe before moving their family to the United States to work with the Polack Brothers Circus and later the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Americo often shared vivid stories of his parents’ command performances across Europe, including one in 1938 before Adolf Hitler.

After retiring from the circus, Charlie and Thea opened the Main Bar sandwich shop in 1958, which became a legendary Sarasota eatery known for its variety of sandwiches and its walls lined with photos of circus performers. Among them is a photo of Americo and his siblings performing an acrobatic act on The Ed Sullivan Show.

A 1960 graduate of Sarasota High School, Americo enlisted in the U.S. Army and served four years in Vietnam. After his honorable discharge, he worked as a rocket scientist, earned a degree in psychology, became a stockbroker and analyst, and ultimately received his Juris Doctor degree from Florida State University.

Americo was a devoted son to Charlie and Thea and carried their values with him throughout his life. While he did not maintain close relationships with the rest of his family, he was a fiercely loyal and devoted friend, often providing personal and legal assistance whenever it was needed.

For nearly five decades, Americo was a talented lawyer, a skilled negotiator, and a fiercely principled advocate. He was known to tell opponents, “I’m not attacking you personally as a human being; I’m attacking the lack of logic in your argument.”

Those who knew Americo understood his unwavering moral compass, rooted in honesty and integrity. His keen intellect, sharp wit, and wry sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. May his memory be eternal.

A memorial service is being held on November 21st at 12:30 PM at the Sarasota National Cemetery, located at 9810 State Rd. 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the James A Haley Veterans’ Hospital.