Michael Joseph Tulumello

1955 - 2018

Michael Joseph Tulumello

Tempe - Michael Joseph Tulumello, 62, journalist and sportswriter, died suddenly on June 12, 2018. He was known as the "guy in the hat" on press row at Phoenix Suns games during a long sportswriting career with Tribune Newspapers. He also had another side: as a no-holds-barred news reporter and opinions writer for the Tribune and other publications. Mike was born September 17, 1955, in Buffalo, NY, welcomed by his father, Joe, a man of great warmth and compassion; and his mother, Nina, whose faith, efficiency and attention to detail also influenced her son. The family moved from Buffalo in 1961 and Mike put down roots, attending St. Agnes Elementary School in Phoenix and Tempe McClintock High School, where he made lifelong friends. His mom typed up Mike's first newspaper stories for the school paper and the old Tempe Daily News, because he was not always the master of the keyboard on deadline. Mike attended Arizona State University, where he was named outstanding journalism graduate in 1978. He made his mark as a sportswriter by reporting on football coach Frank Kush's problems for ASU's State Press newspaper and immediately after graduation was hired by the Mesa Tribune. He covered the Phoenix Suns during their 1990s glory days with Charles Barkley, Kevin Johnson and Coach Paul Westphal. He also worked for the Associated Press, Phoenix New Times and, briefly, for The Arizona Republic. He married his wife, Kathy, in 1986. Family always came first for Mike as he juggled work, travel and deadlines. He took his sons to Suns practices, giving them memories of a lifetime. Mike also was a longtime volunteer for the St. Vincent DePaul Society at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church and a frequent visitor to Kevin Saunders' Arizona Bible Class there. He loved road trips, particularly for ASU sports; pinot grigio; headphone radios; and the hottest salsa he could find. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; sons Andrew and Matthew; sister, Lisa Collinsworth; brother, Angelo (Rauna); aunt, Lena Siar; a niece, seven nephews and their children; and numerous cousins, including Arizona residents Susan Collinsworth (Jim), Raymond LoTempio (Donna) and Steven LoTempio (Lisa). Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2018, with Rosary recited at 7 p.m. at Queen of Heaven Catholic Funeral Home, 1562 E. Baseline Road, Mesa, AZ. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 20, 2018, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 2121 S. Rural Road, Tempe, AZ. Donations may be made in his name to Catholic Charities Community Services, Maggie's Place or the Pat Tillman Foundation. Condolences may be made at www.qohcfh.org. Arrangements entrusted to Queen of Heaven Catholic Funeral Home.