Peter L. Tufaro, 92 of Toms River passed away peacefully at the New Jersey Veteran’s Memorial Home in Vineland in mid- May, 2021.
Funeral is from the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Dr. Kearny on Tuesday May 18 at 9 AM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Stephen’s Church in Kearny at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Visitation is on Monday May 17 from 4-8 PM at the funeral home.
Born in Manhattan, Peter lived there until moving to Union City. He then resided in North Bergen for 25 years until finally settling in Toms River 30 years ago. After being raised to be a true patriot, Peter proudly served his country in the Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict. As a civilian, he worked for the New York Times in Manhattan as a paper handler until his retirement.
While home on leave from the Navy, Peter met his adoring wife, Connie, on a blind date through a friend. Even though the two had little money, they soon fell in love. While in uniform, Peter married Connie before his next deployment back to Korea. It was one of the best days of his life. He sent Connie roses every month, longing for the day they could be reunited. Peter eventually fulfilled his promise to buy her a house surrounded by roses.
Peter could always be called upon in any emergency, and was quick to come up with the right solution to whatever problems his family was facing. He always knew how to get things done. A true fighter, and successful in anything he set out to do, everyone knew to call on Uncle Pete to help. Peter sponsored Connie’s sisters when they moved to the United States, and was relied on for anything they needed. Connie’s siblings quickly came to know Peter as their big brother, and he loved them as such.
Peter was the beloved husband to the late Connie Tufaro, and loving father of Diane Tufaro. He is also the dear Uncle Pete to Tony Gutierrez, Maggie Ferreira, Johnny Enriquez, Clemente Norelli, Loretta Norelli, Herminia Barandica and Carmen Pena; and also to his several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Peter lived by the credo, “A good wife, a good life”, and he certainly enjoyed his life. He will be deeply missed.