Please scroll to the bottom of this story for details on services.
For some three-plus decades, if there was a story to be found in the sports world and beyond in Middlesex County – sometimes the story behind the story – Greg Tufaro was the guy who would have it.
And for the past nine years, if there was a good cause, the Marisa Tufaro Foundation – which he and his wife Cyndi founded after the passing of their daughter in January 2017 – would be involved.
On Monday, Greg himself passed away after a battle with cancer, according to Tim LeCras, a spokesman for St. Joseph of Metuchen High School, Greg’s alma mater, where he graduated in 1985.
Tufaro received many accolades. He was named the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association New Jersey Sportswriter of the Year in 2015. The New Jersey Press Association honored him more than a dozen times, with five first-place awards.
Tufaro, a Rugters University graduate, was well-known for his high school sports coverage, but also covered the Scarlet Knights after joining the Home News and Home News Tribune in 1989.
In 2021, he gave it all up to serve as Chief of Staff for State Senator Patrick Diegnan of South Plainfield (D-18), while continuing his work with the Marisa Tufaro Foundation, for which Diegnan also served on the Board of Trustees until the Foundation ended its charitable mission just last week, after nine years and more than a half-million dollars raised.
Details on services…
Relatives and friends may call from 1:00 – 5:00 PM on August 16th at the Costello-Runyon Funeral Home, 568 Middlesex Ave. (Route 27), Metuchen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:15 AM on August 17th at The Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, 548 Main St., Metuchen. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery, 52 Lincoln Ave., Metuchen.
Thoughts and rememberances from the local sports community…
Joseph Ward, Woodbridge H.S. Athletic Director:
“I know everyone is going to say Greg was the nicest guy they ever met, and they are right. They would be 100% correct to say that of course. Greg was so kind, caring and sincere in the way that he treated people. When he was talking to you, whether in person or on the phone, he made you feel like you were the most important person in the world. He didn’t want to talk about himself, he wanted to hear how you were doing. I am smiling as I write this, but if you were around Greg enough, you got to see another side. Greg could lose it at times. It may have been his computer not working, or not being able to connect to the internet, or pressure from his bosses to meet a deadline, etc. He could hold his own in the language department in those moments, but then apologize to you 100 times for having to witness that. I believe that it is what made Greg the exceptional husband, father, friend and writer that he was. He was, even more so than he was nice, he was passionate! I know he was NOT this way so that he could say he was the best at anything, but so he could give you the very best that he felt you deserved. He always made it about others, never himself. I will miss my friend, but I take comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his beautiful daughter, Marisa.”
Marisa Tufaro Foundation Board of Trustees member, former East Brunswick H.S. Athletic Director, Frank Noppenberger:
“It was an honor and privilege to refer to Greg as a dear friend. His unending altruism and kindness to everyone was one of his many positive contributions to our society. An ideal role model for those contemplating a career in journalism, and his everlasting sincerity and caring will be remembered by all who knew him. Greg, thanks for being a friend.”
READ MORE: A few personal thoughts on the loss of a great reporter, and an even better man, Greg Tufaro
Former Spotswood H.S. teacher and cheerleading coach Colleen Meyers, who led the cheerleading squads for the Snapple Bowl, and later the Marisa Tufaro Bowl senior football all-star game:
“I find myself at a loss for words with the news of Greg’s death. My heart is shattered for Cyndi, and all who knew and loved him. Greg touched many lives as a loyal and steadfast friend, and extraordinary husband and doting father, an exemplary journalist, and a champion for children in need. The world was a kinder and gentler place because of Greg Tufaro. I was greatly blessed to call him my friend.”
Edison H.S. football coach Matt Yascko:
“Greg was a great friend, I will always cherish our relationship. He was always so thoughtful and supportive of all the kids and teams he covered. I will always remember how serious and thoughtful he took the all area teams; we would spend hours debating who the 3rd team linebacker would be and he would always find a way to recognize all who deserved it.“
From the Piscataway Football family:
“Greg Tufaro was the kind of reporter who was able to give recognition to a third-string fullback on an 0-9 team, along with giving due recognition to the all-state quarterback on the undefeated team which won the game. Having been on both ends of that football spectrum, it was that kind of fairness and thoroughness which we came to love and respect at Piscataway. The efforts of Greg and his wife Cyndi through the Marisa Tufaro Foundation have produced a profound impact on so many lives, including those of many Piscataway student-athletes. While Greg’s life has come to an end, his unselfish giving to others will be an eternal lesson from which we can all draw.”
Former St. Joseph-Metuchen H.S. head coach, current Bound Brook assistant Rich Hilliard:
“I am at a loss for words. We lost a great man , a great writer, and even more… a great friend to all. My deepest heartfelt condolences to his family. You will never be forgotten.”
