Joan Tufaro, 89, of Middletown, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank. Born in the Bronx, NY to Anne and John Rossi; she lived in Brooklyn before moving to Middletown 32 years ago.

Joan met the love of her life, Nick, when they were 14 years old. They were married 5 years later and raised their three children in Brooklyn, NY. They moved to Middletown, NJ in 1995. Joan loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed vacationing in Florida and went on many cruises with her husband and childhood friends. Holidays were a favorite time of the year for Joan and she cherished her time in the kitchen cooking meals and baking for her family. In her spare time, she loved to read, knit, and attend Broadway shows.

Joan is survived by her husband of over 70 years, Nicholas Tufaro Sr., two sons, Nicholas Tufaro Jr. (Amanda), Steve Tufaro (Yolanda), one daughter, Linda DiMeo (Maurice), one brother, Stewart Rossi (Deborah) and eight grandchildren, Steven Jr. (Greila), Michael, John, Thomas (Jessica), Matthew, Nicole, Amanda and Victoria, and her grand pup, Cannoli. She is also survived by her two close childhood friends, the "Sarahs".

Visitation will be held from 3pm to 7pm, Monday, March 16, 2026, at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733. Funeral services will be held 10:30am on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at funeral home. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Middletown.