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Philip “Phil” Tufano

September 11, 1965 - March 25, 2023
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Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes
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Becky Luedtke
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Tom Smyth
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Dan Thomas
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Tom Theodore Light a candle
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Visitation
Pebble Creek Baptist Church
1300 Reid School Road
Taylors, South Carolina 29687
864-244-4979 | Map
Saturday 4/1, 12:30 pm - 2:45 pm
Service
Pebble Creek Baptist Church
1300 Reid School Road
Taylors, South Carolina 29687
864-244-4979 | Map
Saturday 4/1, 3:00 pm

Philip “Phil” Tufano, 57, beloved husband of Irene Tufano, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Born in Flushing NY, he was a son of the late Neil and Patricia Tufano. Phil was appointed with the FDNY in October 1993, and was assigned straight out of Proby School toContinue Reading

Tribute Video

Tom Burney left a message on June 4, 2023:
I’am saddened by the loss of Phil. I just saw the notice on Dept Orders. I worked in TL117 and we ran in with L154 all the time, plus we were frequently detailed to each others company. I can pay the highest FDNY compliment to Phil, “he was a good guy”. He will be missed by all.
Sydney G. left a message on May 24, 2023:
Mr. T thats what we all would call him at school, He will always be remembered he was the best Substitute teacher ive ever had, he knew how to make us laugh and bring joy into the classrooms R.I,P.. Mr. Tufano you'll always be in our hearts and ill never forget how kind you were to me.
Becky Luedtke left a message on April 6, 2023:
Phil substituted at our school (Donaldson Career Center) and he was alway joyfull, positive and friendly when he checked in. I would say "Phil just call down to the office if there are any problems in the classroom." and Phil would say "Oh there won't be any problems!" LOL He was a very special person.
Dave Scheibenhoffer left a message on April 2, 2023:
Phil was a friend and some one I appreciated for his special characteristics and gifts. He loved to serve others - as a teacher, a firefighter, a neighbor, and a friend. I enjoyed conversations with Phil that were full of information and laughter and could go on for quite some time! But mostly, I respected Phil's beliefs and his willingness to stand up for what and who he believed in. He was an inspiration to many (and me) with his courage and his willingness to 'go against the grain' for what he believed. You had it right my friend - God, Country, Family, and Friends.
Tom Smyth left a message on April 1, 2023:
So sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. Will be Praying for him and his family. May he Rest In Peace!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Dan Thomas left a message on March 31, 2023:
Thank you for being a wonderful substitute for me Mr.T we will all remember you
Meaghan & Jeff Janker left a message on March 31, 2023:
Chris, Mary and the entire Tufano family, Your re in our hearts and prayers. We are so sorry for you loss. Meaghan & Jeff Janker
Greater Glory Basket was purchased for the family of Philip "Phil" Tufano by Meaghan & Jeff Janker. Send Flowers
A tree was also planted in memory of Philip "Phil" Tufano
Pete, Marlene & the girls left a message on March 31, 2023:
Our Deepest Condolences. May the Love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
Faithful Blessings Bouquet was purchased for the family of Philip "Phil" Tufano by Pete, Marlene & the girls. Send Flowers
A tree was also planted in memory of Philip "Phil" Tufano
Marlene & Pete Sicoli and family left a message on March 31, 2023:
We are so sorry for your loss. We have been truly blessed to have known Phil "The Gentle Giant" he will forever be in our hearts. May he rest in eternal peace
Shane Hawk left a message on March 31, 2023:
I worked with Phil (Mr. T) at Riverside Middle School. Although I've only known him a short time, he definitely made an impact on me. He beamed with pride wile talking about his beloved FDNY. It was always a pleasure being able to talk with him. He was highly regarded by many at RMS. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Matt Regis left a message on March 31, 2023:
When Capt. Tufano covered a tour on Union Ave., you knew you were in for a night of laughs, a few good stories and solid info. Phil was a rock. Words can’t express the shock felt at his passing. We will be praying for his family. Rest in peace.
Sherry B. Thornton left a message on March 30, 2023:
Mr. Phil Tufano was such a dear friend to me. I met him when he and Irene enrolled Jake at the high school. He never failed to put a smile on my face. Some people referred to him as a " Gentle Giant" and I would have to agree with them. He was always so kind, happy and uplifting in all circumstances. We talked many times about his walk with the Lord and I know he is walking streets of gold now. I was blessed to have known him. An AMAZING man that will be missed! Prayers for Irene and Jake.
Pete Brower left a message on March 30, 2023:
I've known Phil for a little more than a year. We met because of Jakes's friendship with our granddaughter Makayla. I quickly learned that Phil had a love for horses even though he was a NYC boy. My wife and I have a small horse farm with four horses just down the road from Phil and Irene's place. It wasn't long before Phil was at our place to "learn everything about horses". Well, we started with picking up manure. Phil was surprised that a fork was used instead of shovel. Like all things Phil, he picked up manure with gusto! Started doing some training exercises to learn how horses think and graduated to taking a couple of trail rides, one in which Irene joined us. We had a great time together attending several horse auctions in Georgia.. Phil fit right in with the dozens of "good old boy" horse buyers at the auction. He was especially amazed at the auctioneer. Phil really wanted to own a horse someday. We laughed because it would probably require a draft horse to haul the big man around. Sadly, Phil's leg began to bother him to the extent that the horse activities had to be put on hold. Phil had a love of all things sports, especially hockey. So I had the pleasure of learning all about hockey from Phil at Swamp Rabbit games and watching his beloved Rangers on TV at his house. Phil had a deep love for Irene and Jake , friends, church and country. The Holy Bible says the the Lord will wipe away all tears in heaven. So we know all is OK with Phil. It is us that are left behind with a season of tears.
the Ferrara- Holzman family, Janice, Anthony and Carmela left a message on March 30, 2023:
Irene & Jake, We're so sorry for your loss. Phil, my friend & brother since 1984, Rest In Peace. I will miss you always, Ant
Rays Of Solace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Philip "Phil" Tufano by the Ferrara- Holzman family, Janice, Anthony and Carmela. Send Flowers
A tree was also planted in memory of Philip "Phil" Tufano
Anonymous left a message on March 30, 2023:
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tufano family during this time.- Upneet, John, Mike and Shannon
Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement was purchased for the family of Philip "Phil" Tufano by Anonymous. Send Flowers
A tree was also planted in memory of Philip "Phil" Tufano
Tom Theodore left a message on March 30, 2023:
Peace, love and healing to the family. What to say is a struggle. Phil's life MATTERED, and is such a big loss. Rest in Peace with Jesus friend.
Soldier Salute Standing Spray was purchased for the family of Philip "Phil" Tufano by Tom Theodore. Send Flowers
A tree was also planted in memory of Philip "Phil" Tufano
Tom Theodore left a message on March 30, 2023:
Rest in Peace Phil, thanks for your service, and God Bless!
Tom Theodore left a message on March 30, 2023:
Phil was a great man and a great American Hero. I am proud to have met him and had him in my home. He, Irene and Jake represent pure class in a world without much class these days. In an age of political correctness, should we or our nation have an emergency we can only hope and pray someone of Phil's caliber and character will respond. Men like Phil are rare, truly an inspiration. First responders pay a heavy personal and family price to rescue others, running towards danger always. Love, thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of this incredible gentleman. He is resting in peace with Our Savior, and we can look forward to reuniting with him in Heaven.
Brendan and Anna Coffey left a message on March 29, 2023:
Our hearts are broken but we are forever grateful for having known Phil. May Irene and Jake and family know that we will have them in our prayers.
Cherished Friend Bouquet was purchased for the family of Philip "Phil" Tufano by Brendan and Anna Coffey. Send Flowers
Brendan and Anna Coffey left a message on March 29, 2023:
We are heartbroken to hear of Phil’s passing. He was full of life, hilariously fun to be around, a great teammate, with friends from around the world. Jake will surely continue to hear the stories of his dad as men like Big Phil don’t go quietly into the night. Irene our prayers and thoughts are with you and Jake, and Phil’s family, and for his friends who suffering this tremendous loss. May he forever Test in Pesce with The Lord.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jeff Vandergrift left a message on March 29, 2023:
I am so sorry for the Family’s loss.I met Phil at Bonds Career Center on our Open House starting school year 2022-23.I was the Machine Tooling instructor for that year.He walked in and I knew he was Jake’s Father.He asked me,”If I had his boy?”And I knew he knew what he was asking me.Our friendship started there.He contacted me quite a bit and after my accident when I nearly amputated my thumb.He told me that Jake prayed everyday for my healing.Phil was a “gentle giant” in my eyes.I wish I would have spent more time with him.Definitely my loss there.He left a huge legacy behind and will be missed GREATLY.
Debbie, Bayard and Bayard Carmiencke left a message on March 29, 2023:
We are so sorry for your loss. We are honored to have known Phil.
Spring Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Philip "Phil" Tufano by Debbie, Bayard and Bayard Carmiencke. Send Flowers
Chris Harvey left a message on March 29, 2023:
I am the Firefighting Instructor at Bonds Career Center in Greer, in addition to all Phil’s attributes he also was a substitute teacher, he filled in for my class several times in addition to other classes, my students really enjoyed Phil and loved hearing him talk about FDNY and his role during 9-11, he really will be missed by so many, God speed my friend, Chris Harvey Retired City of Greer Fire Chief Bonds Career Center
Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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