Greg Tufaro is being remembered across New Jersey following his death on August 10, 2026, at the age of 59, after a battle with cancer. His passing has brought an outpouring of grief from colleagues, coaches, athletes, friends, and members of the Middlesex County community.
Tufaro spent more than three decades telling the stories of New Jersey athletes and communities. He joined the Home News Tribune in 1989 and became especially well known for his extensive coverage of high school sports, while also reporting on Rutgers athletics. His work earned numerous honors, including being named New Jersey Sportswriter of the Year in 2015 and receiving multiple New Jersey Press Association awards.
His influence extended far beyond journalism. Greg and his wife, Cyndi Tufaro, established the Marisa Tufaro Foundation after the death of their 13-year-old daughter, Marisa, in 2017. Over nine years, the foundation raised more than half a million dollars to support children, pediatric patients, scholarships, and families in need.
In 2021, Tufaro stepped away from sports journalism to serve as Chief of Staff to New Jersey State Senator Patrick Diegnan, while continuing his charitable efforts. His commitment to young people and the wider community remained an important part of his life.
Tributes following his death have emphasized his kindness, fairness, passion, and willingness to give recognition to athletes at every level. Friends and colleagues have described him as someone who made people feel valued and who consistently placed others ahead of himself.
Greg Tufaro Funeral Arrangements
Family and friends can pay their respects from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 16, at Costello-Runyon Funeral Home in Metuchen. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. Monday, August 17, at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Metuchen, followed by interment at Hillside Cemetery.
Greg Tufaro leaves behind a powerful legacy in New Jersey journalism, youth sports, public service, and charitable work. His dedication to telling people’s stories and helping children in need ensured that his influence reached far beyond the sports pages.
Greg Tufaro will be deeply missed by his wife, family, friends, former colleagues, athletes, coaches, and the countless people whose lives he touched. His memory will continue through the stories he told and the lives he helped improve.