Joseph A. Tufaro 1955-2026

Joseph was born April 21, 1955, to Vincent and Connie Tufaro. He was the youngest of four children.

He was a graduate of Liberty High School, Class of 1973, and then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Youngstown State University.

Joseph worked as the quality control manager at Fab Art Inc., Ellwood Engineer Castings, Metso Inc. and Hall Industries. He eventually started his own nondestructive testing company, JAT Inspection and Testing LLC.

He married the love of his life, Mary, on Aug. 24, 1991. The apple of his eye was his daughter, Dena, who was born May 11, 1992.

He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica, Knights of Columbus, Sunrise Chapter 458, Niles McKinley Lodge 794 and William Farr Lodge 672, and was a recipient of the Knight York Cross of Honor. He volunteered at the monthly spaghetti dinners and church festival up until his health issues arose. He loved making pasta, sauce, canning, camping, woodworking and spending time with family. Faith was a very important part in his life, which he instilled in his family. Joseph had an infectious laugh and a bigger-than-life personality. He was excited to be an expectant grandfather.

Joseph leaves behind his beloved daughter, Dena (Mark) Caughey of New Castle, Pa., and they are expecting their first child, and Joseph was so excited to meet his first grandchild. He also leaves a sister, Patty Frease of Liberty; brother, Danny (Irene) Tufaro of Poland; sister-in-law, Carla Rosales, and brother-in-law, Anthony Colantuoni, both of Austintown; and sister-in-law, Donna Colantuoni of Hubbard; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his parents, Vincent and Connie Tufaro; brother and sister-in-law, Nick and Linda Tufaro; father and mother-in-law, Armond and Rosemarie Colantuoni; brother-in-law, Ronald Frease; uncles, aunts and grandparents.

Friends and family may pay their respects 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman.

There will be a prayer service at 10:20 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at the funeral home, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica, 343 Via Mount Carmel, Youngstown, with the Very Rev. Monsignor John Zuraw J.C.L.,V.G., as celebrant.

Burial will take place in Green Haven Memorial Gardens, Canfield.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book or send condolences to Joseph’s family.

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