John Tufts

This life is ovaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa,

Inside joke for my Friday tournament golfers. I want to do a little bit different of an obituary. My coaching career was blessed with many coaches who either were or should have been in charge. My Legion coaches, John Wilwohl, Dale Lewis, Jim Torelli and Dave Kubeja, who was like a brother to me, were unbelievable in the time they spent with the players for zero money.

My staff at Mercyhurst Prep , Al Rush, Dan Rosenberg, Dave Kubeja, Greg Majchrak, Joe Ceresa, Bill Naughton and Dave Ostrum, I can’t express my thanks for all you did to make those kids winners. Fabulous job guys.

My players helped put me in the Erie Sports Hall of Fame in 2018 by winning 489 games. I want them to know I worked them hard because I saw their potential, we had a lot of fun but I want each to know it was my honor to be their coach.

My days at J.C. Martin gave me the most fun I could have imagined. I loved being around those kids that played multiple sports and watching their love of the game grow. Every year players would purchase memberships and it was amazing how they would progress and grow. My girl junior golfers were a treasure to me and we made sure the boys treated them with the respect they were entitled to. The parents used to joke about how “we are the best babysitters in Erie”. Thank you for trusting me with your children, I was supposed to work there.

My coaches, my players and golfers, I love you all more than you will ever know. My workers at J.C., Kyle Bohrer, Greg Hoffman, Jon Heinz, Kim Rzomp, Mary Hersch, Brian Beckman, Colin Farabaugh and Hunter Lytle. Because you put up with me for so many seasons I would have done anything for you.

My Cathedral Prep basketball and baseball players, thank you for your respect. We won a lot of games thanks to Coach Flanagan and Coach Hess. The other assistants on both staffs also enjoyed a few cold ones after a win. “Yes we did”!!!

Many thanks to Dan Perfetto who goes way back with me from his high school days. He has become a great friend, confidant and gave me plenty of jobs when I was bored.

I was born September 16, 1953 to absolutely wonderful parents, Herbert (Herb) and Teresa Dundon (Tessie) Tufts, who both passed in 2018. Survived by wife Kathi who supported me in anything I endeavored and I love dearly.

Daughter Katy, the absolute light of my world and who changed my life on August 22, 1989.

Sister Susan DeSantis who put up with her big brother and I adore her today, brother in law Jeff.

Nieces Lindsay and Abby DeSantis, cherish you both.

Cousin, Peggy Cronin Taylor, who grew up like my sister, husband Cris, her daughters, Mikki Peters (DJ) Charlie and Henry. Ali Helgert (Nathan) daughter Harriet. Can’t forget Poncho.

Sister in law Juli Shannon Johnson (Eric).

Nephews Mark, Paul (London) and Ryan Shannon and their mother Zondra.

Great friends: Dave Kubeja, Denny DeMichele, Phil Sorenson, Dan Rosenberg, Brian Flanagan, Bob Paris, Bob Blakeslee.

Also reconnecting with Dick Van Tassell, Pat Hiegel and Dave Klochak.

Friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, West Ridge 3801 W. 26th Street on Monday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and are invited to attend a service there on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. Burial to follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the J.C. Martin Junior Golf Program. Checks should be made payable to the City of Erie. Mailing address: 626 State Street, Room 504, Erie, PA 16501. Please include in the memo: In memory of Jack Tufts.

Love you all,
Jack

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.