Richard Chase Tufaro

1944 - 2025

Richard Chase Tufaro, 81, passed away peacefully on September 11th, 2025. He was born on July 9, 1944 in the Bronx, NY and grew up in Hartsdale, NY, a son of the late Frank and Stephania Maida Tufaro. In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by his brother Stephen Tufaro. Richard leaves behind his beloved wife Helen McNally Tufaro (48 years of marriage), children Mary Salazar, Ed (Katrina), Paul (Emily) and Cynthia Verhave (Alex), 12 grandchildren (Christopher, Diana, Nick, Maria, Caroline, Isabel, Maddie, Sophia, Chase, Ian, Paige and Felicity), his sister Frances Adams, his brother David Tufaro and many nieces and nephews who have been so caring.
In a life full of accomplishment, Richard treasured most the relationships he made along the way, including from Dartmouth College, Harvard Law School, and his service as a Captain in the Army's JAG Corps during Vietnam. He met his wife Helen on a blind date in Manhattan, and they embraced the adventure of their life together as they moved from New York City to Summit, NJ to Bethesda, MD to Amelia Island, FL. While a career in the litigation practice of Milbank LLP demanded much time early in their marriage, Richard always loved his work and it was a perfect fit for a mind that thrived on complex issues. Retirement gave him time to volunteer in Washington, DC, where he used his love for math to prepare immigrants who desired to take the GED test. Richard took delight in spending time in the garden, reading, working on puzzles, walking, hiking, traveling and ballroom dancing with Helen. During the week, he enjoyed a daily espresso. On Sunday, he added his favorite Italian pastry Sfogliatella.
Richard was a wonderful father and playful grandparent, relishing opportunities to read a story, boogie-board ocean waves, or play a board game. His children, grandchildren, and the bonds of his extended family brought him great joy. His smile was warm and infectious, and invited many an occasion of comfort for his family.
Richard was baptized a Christian, and he believed deeply in the goodness of the Lord, His love, and His mercy. He shared his faith with Helen, and together they sought to both participate in and serve their community. Diagnosed with terminal cancer in October 2023, he made clear to all those who knew him well that he was at peace, treasuring each day as a gift not to be taken for granted, placing his hope in the Lord.
Funeral services for Richard will be on Tuesday, September 23rd at 10:30 AM at St. Michael's Church in Fernandina Beach, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. Richard will be interred at Jacksonville National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made in memory of Richard Tufaro to Mayo Clinic for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Research. Donations can be made online by visiting https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donateMC When selecting the designation select "Other", and then type in the chosen fund. Mark the gift as "in memory of" and include the honorees information.
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