Dr. Michael Anthony DelTufo

Dr. Michael Anthony DelTufo Beloved brother, uncle, and friend, Belleville dentist for over 40 years Dr. Michael DelTufo, "Doc," 81, of Belleville, N.J., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014, at his home in Bloomfield, N.J. Services will be held at 8:30 a.m. Monday from the Megaro Memorial Home, 503 Union Ave., Belleville, N.J., (megaromemorialhome.com). The Mass is at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 28 Brookline Ave., Nutley, N.J. Visitation is Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. Michael DelTufo graduated from Belleville High School, Class of 1951. He was an all-state baseball player and a standout football player. Doc loved sports and was proud of his Italian heritage. If you had a minute, he would reminisce about all the great athletes of yesteryear and present. His knowledge regarding the greats like Joe DiMaggio and Vince Lombardi was remarkable. Doc's admiration for accomplished Italians extended well beyond sports; he always spoke about men like Gino Bartali, who is well- known for his valor in World War II. Another favorite was Fibonacci, whose principles had a tremendous impact on the stock market today. Doc was also an avid horseracing enthusiast and attended the Kentucky Derby whenever possible. After graduation, an athletic scholarship made it possible for him to study and receive his bachelor of science degree from Muhlenberg College, Class of 1955. Doc participated in both football and baseball while at Muhlenberg but was forced from the gridiron with a back ailment. In the fall of 1955, Doc entered Georgetown University and began his studies in the field of dentistry. Michael DelTufo graduated from Georgetown School of Medicine in June 1959 with a D.D.S. degree. He fulfilled every level of service to humanity and his profession with an unwavering commitment to excellence. His parents and family were extremely proud of his accomplishments. Doc was a friend to everyone. He was the most conscientious dentist and was very proud of his work. After he retired, his former patients would seek him out for dental advice. Like many accomplished individuals, Doc was a perfectionist and very methodical when it came to dentistry, which was most evident in his work. He treated each case as a masterpiece and obsessed until the finished product was done to perfection. Doc brought joy to the lives of everyone he touched and his family and friends will deeply miss him. Doc was not only a great uncle; he was a mentor to all his nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews in all their athletic endeavors. Whenever possible, he proudly attended their sporting events. Just like a proud father, their many honors and achievements brought him great pride and joy. Uncle Mike offered his coaching expertise to all of them and they found it to be invaluable in perfecting their game. His nieces and nephews loved and admired him. Michael was beloved son of the late Michael DelTufo and Grace DelTufo (nee Casale). He was a loving brother and brother-in-law to Mrs. Rose Pignatore, Mr. Jerry Ringi, Mrs. Jeanette Orsini, Mr. Leslie DelTufo, and Mrs. Grace Napolitano and Joe Napolitano. He was a beloved dear friend of Nick and Terry Petti. He will be missed by his loyal employees and friends, Carol Banda, Sue Covey, and Tracy Napolitano. He is also survived by his 22 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Josephine Ringi; niece, Margaret Sisto; brother, Daniel DelTufo, and his wife, Rose DelTufo; brother-in-law, James Orsini; brother-in-law, Nick Pignatore, and sister-in-law, Virginia DelTufo. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Clara Maass Foundation, funds earmarked to the Cancer Center, 1 Clara Maass Dr. Belleville, N.J. 07109. Published in Star-Ledger from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, 2014 - See more at: http://obits.nj.com/obituaries/starledger/obituary.aspx?pid=1730062...