The New Jersey sports journalism community is mourning the loss of a legendary figure whose impact extended far beyond the press box. Greg Tufaro, a lifelong Edison resident and award-winning sportswriter for the Home News Tribune, died on August 10, 2026, after a battle with cancer. He was 59 years old. Tufaro was a 1985 graduate of St. Joseph High School in Metuchen and a Rutgers University graduate who spent more than three decades covering high school sports and the Scarlet Knights. Beyond his journalism career, Tufaro and his wife Cyndi co-founded The Marisa Tufaro Foundation following the death of their 13-year-old daughter in 2017. The foundation raised more than half a million dollars for pediatric patients and children in need before completing its mission just last week. Here’s what we know about his life, career, and enduring legacy.
Greg Tufaro, 59, of Edison, New Jersey, died on August 10, 2026, following a battle with cancer. A lifelong Edison resident, Tufaro was a renowned sportswriter for the Home News Tribune, covering Middlesex County sports for over three decades. He was named New Jersey Sportswriter of the Year in 2015 and received five first-place awards from the New Jersey Press Association . After leaving journalism in 2021, he served as Chief of Staff for State Senator Patrick Diegnan . Tufaro co-founded The Marisa Tufaro Foundation with his wife Cyndi in memory of their daughter, raising over $500,000 for pediatric patients and children in need.
A Legendary Career in Sports Journalism
Greg Tufaro’s journalism career began in 1989 when he joined the Home News Tribune as a part-time sports writer. He secured a full-time position seven and a half years later and went on to cover scholastic and college athletics for more than three decades .
His career highlights include:
-
Four national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors in investigative reporting, game story writing, breaking news, and news reporting
-
New Jersey Sportswriter of the Year from the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association in 2015
-
Five first-place writing awards from the New Jersey Press Association
-
2019 Media Award from the Athletic Trainers’ Society of New Jersey for “promoting important public awareness of various health issues impacting our student-athletes”
Tufaro was well-known for his coverage of high school sports in Middlesex County but also covered Rutgers University men’s and women’s basketball . In 2021, he left journalism to serve as Chief of Staff for State Senator Patrick Diegnan of South Plainfield .
The Marisa Tufaro Foundation: A Legacy of Giving
The foundation was established in July 2017 in loving memory of Marisa Tufaro, the couple’s 13-year-old daughter who valiantly survived six open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant before succumbing to a rare form of cancer on Jan. 30, 2017 . Despite being hospitalized for more than two years, Marisa was an honor roll student involved in extracurricular activities who lived a vibrant life that inspired .
The foundation’s impact includes :
-
Donating over $500,000 to assist pediatric patients and children in need
-
Awarding $41,500 in scholarships to 57 high school students
-
Sending 34 elementary and middle school students to weeklong summer art camps
-
Funding a part-time healthcare social worker for families of pediatric patients
-
Donating to Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital, PSE&G Children’s Specialized Hospital, and the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center
-
Supporting pet therapy and art therapy programs for hospitalized children
-
Collecting thousands of toys, food items, winter coats, and school supplies for donation
Just last week, the foundation ended its charitable mission after nine years of service .
Tributes from the Community
Tufaro’s passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues, friends, and the community he served.
St. Joseph High School of Metuchen honored their alumnus: “The Saint Joseph community mourns the passing of a true Saint Joseph Falcon: Gregory Tufaro ’85, a devoted alumnus and longtime supporter of Saint Joe’s… A Falcon Forever” .
Woodbridge H.S. Athletic Director Joseph Ward shared: “I know everyone is going to say Greg was the nicest guy they ever met, and they are right… 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.”
Former Spotswood H.S. teacher and cheerleading coach Colleen Meyers wrote: “The world was a kinder and gentler place because of Greg Tufaro. I was greatly blessed to call him my friend.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Greg Tufaro?
Greg Tufaro was a lifelong Edison, New Jersey, resident, award-winning sportswriter for the Home News Tribune, and co-founder of The Marisa Tufaro Foundation. He covered Middlesex County sports for over 30 years and was named New Jersey Sportswriter of the Year in 2015 .
What happened to Greg Tufaro?
Greg Tufaro died on August 10, 2026, following a battle with cancer. He was 59 years old . His death was announced by Tim LeCras, a spokesman for St. Joseph High School of Metuchen, his alma mater .
What is The Marisa Tufaro Foundation?
The Marisa Tufaro Foundation was established by Greg and his wife Cyndi in memory of their daughter Marisa, who died at age 13 in 2017. The foundation raised over $500,000 for pediatric patients and children in need, awarded scholarships, and supported various charitable initiatives .
Did Greg Tufaro receive any awards?
Yes, Tufaro received numerous accolades including the 2015 New Jersey Sportswriter of the Year award, four national APSE awards, and five first-place awards from the New Jersey Press Association .
Where can I find information about memorial services?
Arrangements have not yet been announced. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time .
Conclusion
Greg Tufaro lived a life dedicated to telling the stories of others—whether through his award-winning sports journalism or through the foundation he built in his daughter’s memory. From the press box to the state house, he touched countless lives with his kindness, passion, and unwavering commitment to giving back. His legacy lives on through the millions of dollars raised, the scholarships awarded, and the children whose lives were improved by his and Cyndi’s tireless efforts. As his friend Joseph Ward said, “I take comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his beautiful daughter, Marisa” .