The Middlesex County community is mourning the loss of Greg Tufaro, an award-winning sportswriter, journalist, mentor and co-founder of the Marisa Tufaro Foundation, who died on August 10, 2026, at the age of 59.
Tufaro spent more than three decades covering high school and college sports throughout New Jersey. During his career with the Home News Tribune, Courier News and USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey, he documented the achievements of countless student-athletes, coaches and athletic programs across Middlesex County.
His work earned widespread recognition. He was named New Jersey Sportswriter of the Year in 2015 by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association and received numerous New Jersey Press Association awards. In 2025, he was also honored with the Athletic Trainers Society of New Jersey Presidential Award for his extensive work covering student-athlete health and safety.
Remembering Greg Tufaro
Those who worked with and knew Greg have remembered him not only as an exceptional journalist but as a kind, generous and deeply caring person.
Mike Pavlichko, a longtime colleague, described Tufaro as a great reporter and an even better man, recalling how he consistently put other people before himself and cared deeply about the athletes, coaches and communities he covered.
Woodbridge High School athletic director Joseph Ward similarly remembered Tufaro for his kindness, sincerity and passion, saying that he made people feel important whenever he spoke with them.
Other members of the New Jersey sports community, including Marcus Borden and numerous coaches and former athletes, have also shared tributes following his death.
The Marisa Tufaro Foundation
One of Greg’s most lasting contributions came through the Marisa Tufaro Foundation, which he established with his wife, Cyndi, following the death of their daughter Marisa in 2017 at age 13.
Marisa endured six open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant before ultimately losing her life to a rare form of cancer. In her memory, Greg and Cyndi created the foundation to assist pediatric patients and children in need throughout the greater Middlesex County area.
Over the years, the foundation raised and donated hundreds of thousands of dollars, provided supplies to children and families, awarded scholarships and supported numerous community initiatives.
For Greg, the foundation became an important extension of his commitment to helping others and keeping his daughter’s memory alive.
Greg Tufaro Cause of Death
Greg Tufaro died after a five-year battle with multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer, according to his published obituary. He died peacefully at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick with his wife, Cyndi, by his side.
His family, friends and colleagues are now remembering him for a life defined by journalism, family, community service and compassion.
Greg Tufaro Funeral Arrangements
Relatives and friends may call from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on August 16, 2026, at Costello-Runyon Funeral Home in Metuchen.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. on August 17, 2026, at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Metuchen, with interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery.
Greg Tufaro leaves behind his wife, Cyndi, as well as his brother, Joseph, extended family, friends, colleagues and countless people whose lives he touched through his journalism and charitable work.
His legacy will continue through the stories he told, the athletes he championed, the communities he served and the charitable work he carried out in memory of his daughter.
Greg Tufaro will be remembered as an accomplished journalist, devoted husband, loving father, compassionate friend and tireless advocate for children. May he rest in peace.