bless him , great teacher & made sure you got educated or he would knock some sense into you , love him & miss him

Mr Tsufura, always remembered with kindness and great respect.

A remarkable educator and wonderful human being.  I still speak of you often.  Ever remembered and missed.

Continue to Rest In Peace My Special Friend and Teacher

In the Greek Orthodox faith, when someone dies, people will say "May his memory be eternal".  By the amount of all the notes left on Tad's wall, it would appear he's already made a good dent in that sentiment.  I speak your name.  I remember your face.  I pray for your eternal, peaceful rest.

Tadashi Tsufura was a remarkable educator, and an amazing human being.  His warmth, wit and wisdom stay with me always, and is still one of my benchmarks when meeting people.  Blessed be his memory.

Those that knew Tad will always 
miss & love him. 
The world needs more special people 
Like Tad
He was a lovely man & Principle of
PS 41 the Greenwich Village school .
How lucky we all were to be part of
His world. ❤️
Maxine Kaplan & Howard Kopelson

Tad Tsufura not only made uninterested students achieve  Math problems, but he actually made them have pride and  pleasure in  it.  I  was as his Assistant  Principal  and took joy just watching him teach.  When we (the administration.)  told him he was  outstanding, he usually reacted with  embarrassment!  We used to ask him what was wrong with  excellence!  He just gave a semi-smile!   We told him he had  a mysterious  inner Japanese  genius hiding within him…..more  embarrassment.  Tad  was a pleasure to know.  Of all the teachers I supervised in my career, Tad stands alone.  He was  a superb teacher and  respected by his peers snd students.  We always said Tad could get the  least interested kid to learn.  How blessed we all were to know and work with him.  

Remembering my special teacher on the anniversary of your passing.  I miss you and our talks very much.   May you continue to Rest In Peace,

Remembering you Mr Tsufura on your Heavenly Anniversary.

This man was an amazing educator, but more important, he was an amazing human being.  Thoughtful, caring, insightful and exuding a quiet strength that was reassuring and motivating.  I feel truly blessed to have have had him as a teacher.

Tad hired me to teach math at IS 70 and was the best boss I ever had.  His work with the children was phenomenal but he also developed the teachers led by him.

Remembering you on your one year heavenly anniversary.  God Bless you and your wife always Mr. and Mrs. Tsufura.

thank you for the teaching   and the support thru troubled times.  and friendship thru life. p s 3 was a hard school but you brought so much with you to help mold us.  I truly benefited from knowing you  it was an honor to dance with you at the prom. back in the 60 s.  the last time u saw you in person. we both went on k÷pt in touch.  it is a sad world without you.  but I have hopes we will dance again in the next life.  peace to your family.  they are so blessed to shared life with you 

I always remember what Mr. Tsufura said in regard to the Board of Ed's plan to test the achievement/potential levels of the First & Second grade students at PS41. He said: "All my students are gifted." He subsequently prevented the BofEd from testing PS41 students. He personally supervised the students as they arrived at PS41's cafeteria every morning.  His presence made them feel so welcomed and happy every morning. Other public schools made students and parents wait outside in the cold and rain for the morning bell—a hardship for working parents.  He was one of the most admirable and affectionate of people I ever encountered and he made PS41 the wonderful place it was. My son was so fortunate to have been there and known Mr. Tsufura. Sorry he has left us.

Mr. Tsufura,

It was an honor to be one of your students.  You taught me Algebra at PS 3 in Greenwich Village on Hudson St, NYC.  I had a lot of trouble trying to grasp the Algebra but you were so very patient & kept helping me....until I finally got it!!  You were an awesome teacher & so many of your students loved & appreciated you.  I (& most of your students) never realized your background & when I read what you & your family had gone through during WW II, my heart cried.  You came through a shining star!   My deepest condolences to your family on you & your wife's unfortunate & untimely passing.  You are both with the angels.  God Bless You Both!

Mr. Tsufura was my Math teacher, first at P.S. 3 in 7th grade in 1965 and at the then new I.S 70 in Chelsea. A calm and reassuring spirit,  Mr. Tsufura instilled a confidence and unwavering belief in his students. You were born to succeed he told each of us "Apply yourself and focus". I saw him years later when I began working with the NYC schools (DOE). He walked past my office, saw me and stopped. He smiled , asked of my sister and brother, and finally said "Glenn don't get too comfortable behind that desk. Stay engaged and stay focused". A lesson I never forgot. GOD BLESS REST IN ETERNAL PEACE




Heaven Hi !! Wow, me first response after oh no, you pause hoping there was some mistake. A friend in New York City told me this evening asking if I knew Mr Tsufura , My aswer to him was most certainly he introduced me to the class as a genius one friday at Junior High School 3, in the village. Born 1952 in Harlem Hospital and grew up in Chelsea. He was the Most Honorable Math Teacher I ever had. If I wasn't a musician he wouldn't have anyone near to his  remarkable results.  The same person to notify me that his Internment history had to do with California{presently I am living in San Diego}. Until reading here had not realized how many he impacted in an uplifting way.  One person put it so perfectly how he didn't demand respect. Honest, Honorable, and Humble...me not happy with this dis-ease at all. Most High Guidance and Protection Doctor Tsufura !! If any one has photos of him from J.H.S.3 or any you like to share being do not have any.  ElyoneYahelyone@yahoo.com... Totally inspired to do something in response to this dis-ease that took my teacher, Guide, and Elder friend  !!!  To seeing you again way up the path of Eternity...Yours Emery Lafayette also known as Yorah Ben El Elyone...WONLOVEONENOW !  

Dearest Mr. Tsufura,

You have helped to mold me into the Principal I am today.

I remember how you walked the halls of PS 41, when I was one of your students, making sure we were all ok. You made sure to say hello every morning.  You made sure we were engaged, inspired, challenged and smiling. 

Thank you for keeping our creative fires alive. 

With Love,
Samantha Kaplan

Two teachers have always stood out in my memory.  Mr. Tsufura was one.  I sat at his desk sobbing that I just couldn't get Algebra and telling him that I would never use it.  Years later he came to our class reunion.  What blew me away was he not only remembered all of us by name but singled me out and asked "so, Penny did you ever use Algebra?".  What a great laugh we had when I told him that in my job I used it every single day.   He might never have known how many lives he touched but there are many of us who shed tears of sorrow upon hearing of his passing.   In the Greek culture when someone passes they say "Eternal be his memory".   I have no doubt that it will be.  

M. Tsufura was an amazing principal. I will never forget his message to teachers when I brought my first child to kindergarten at PS 41.

Over the PA system, he said " Teachers, it's been brought to my attention that there are children showing up in your classrooms who are not on your register. Please welcome the children and make them feel comfortable. We will sort it all out later."

I had been a public school student in NYC and I was a college professor. His kindness to children brought tears to my eyes. 

The trees that line Greenwich Ave by PS 41 are Tsufura trees. Mr.
Tsufura's example and that of the creative teachers that he attracted changed how I taught college students forever.  He was an exceptional person. I am so grateful to have spent time with him.

To Tad's Daughter's and Family,

My name is Sherry Trout and my Father Belford Trout was a classmate of your Father's at Bridgeton High School and also a friend.  We had no idea your parents had passed away, we  learned of it this morning on the Today show.

My Father attended many class reunions with Tad who was always ready with a funny story.   Your Father not only corresponded with my father over the years, but with me as well.  He would send me letters to share with my Dad.   I also sent him a yearly Christmas card and that would be reciprocated with a thank you card and letter.

I was not fortunate to know your Mother,  but I know how much your Father loved and always took care of her.   He was such a nice man and my Father was proud to call him a friend.  I also feel blessed to have considered him a friend as well through his letters.

I would  keep tabs on him through Craig at OK Watch shop in Millville.   I just recently asked about him  in the beginning of March  before the lock down occurred.  

He accomplished so much in his life, overcoming so many things that most people would not have the strength to endure.

I would like to express my deepest sympathies on behalf of my Father and I, and know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Sherry Trout
Millville,  NJ
  

Mr Tsufura thank you for touching my life., even for a short time.  Sincere condolences to your family for losing you and your precious wife.
Our lives touched long ago in PS 3 where you were my math teacher.  I have recently learned of your remarkable life before we met and after.  God bless you.

I was privileged to be tutored in math by Tad in the fifth grade at P. S. 11. I did not know at the time that he was a teacher (or even a principal) -- he would show up with longish wispy hair, wearing an army jacket, and make me solve tricky math problems while he sharpened his pencil with a naked razor blade that he kept in his pocket. He was great teacher, challenging and encouraging, all the while maintaining the aura that he was letting you in on a secret; I remember him fondly. Rest in peace.

In 1963, P.S. 3 in Greenwich Village was a Junior High School, that being 7th through 9th grades. I had the good fortune to have Mr. Tsufura as my math teacher for both of the two years I attended. 

At our rambunctious age it was not uncommon for teachers to need to call the class to order with loud remonstrations. But Mr Tsufura would arrive and simply stand in front of the classroom staring sternly at his students, not saying a word. In moments, a respectful hush would settle over the room. He did not demand respect, rather he commanded it. Such was the force of his personality. 

It seemed as though half the class time would be spent on digressions about life, adolescence, and philosophical ruminations. He would challenge and probe, not offering dictums but guiding us to draw our own conclusions. He shared stories of his own difficult childhood and the internment experience. We would sit rapt, also happy for the departure from balancing equations.

Yet somehow, I learned more math and enjoyed it more than I would have thought possible. He did not simply teach math. He taught problem solving writ large and the joy inherent in that, whether rooted in mathematics or not.

When I went on to Brooklyn Technical High School in the 9th grade, I found I had already been taught the elements of that year's math curriculum. I sailed through that first year. But more importantly I carried forth with an enthusiasm for problem solving that was wholly imparted by Mr. Tsufura. I have never forgotten him. I will always see him standing stoically in front of the class, silently commanding us to attention.

My heart goes out to his family for their double loss in this terrible time. Please know that you father will continue to live fondly in the memories of countless students as he does in mine. He was the best teacher I ever had and I will miss him. 

Heartfelt condolences,
avra cohen 



Both my children, now 45 and 48, went to PS 41 where Mr. Tsufura treated every single student and every single parent with the utmost dignity and respect. The school was a wonderful place because of him and our whole family loved him. He was a rare human being; the world is the loser with his passing. Condolences to his daughters (and grandson)  for the unbearable loss of both parents at once. 

I have so much gratitude for Mr. Tsufura. I first met him on enrollment day at PS41. He spoke to my parents and to me with such gentleness that I felt both safe and loved. I once lost a ring on the playground — he spent an entire afternoon holding my hand while looking over every square inch, announced it over the PA, and then consoled me when it wasn’t found.  A few years ago I reconnected with him. As heartbroken as I am now, I feel fortunate about our time during what he referred to as his “twilight years.”  He wasn’t just the best principal I’ve ever known, he was an amazing human being - witty, generous, disciplined, altruistic, humble, empathetic and compassionate. Those of us who graduated from PS41 will get this reference — he is now eternally on “Top of The World.” I miss him and shall remember him into my own twilight years. My heartfelt condolences to his daughters and his grandson. 

Was my principal at P.s.41  where i received  a great education and the foundation for  navigating  this stage we call life extremely grateful for lesson  learned  and experience at this school from a great man thank you   

Please accept our condolences on the passing of Mr. Tsufura.  He seemed to be a very special man.  We hope to do a photo tribute to Mr. Tsufura on our TODAY show broadcast.  We are looking for supplied photos of him over the course of his full life including his time as a teacher and principal.   Photos of him pictures alone mostly (portraits), but a few with students is fine too (if we have direct permission from a parent for any pictured child under 18years).  Thank you for your help and consideration - need to receive by tomorrow Friday, May 1st, 5pm - todd.cross@nbcuni.com

He was my principal at IS 70 in Manhattan.  One day during lunchtime in the cafeteria, he told me my reading level was low and to start reading 
one book a week.  I started devouring books and developed a love for them.  He told me a year later that I upped my reading level by two years and he was proud of me. Over the years, I thought about what he did for me and the impact it had on my life and lifelong education.  

I remember all of the kids loved him.  He was a great educator and wonderful human being.

He was my principal at is70 we sang to sir with love at graduation dedicated to him. My heart is heavy

My wife and I  first met Tadashi Tsufura at a gathering of Japanese and other Asian Americans and supporters on November 23, 1981.  Coincidentally (and ironically) the Commission on  Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians had chosen to hear testimony at the Roosevelt Hotel.  We 
celebrate Tadashi Tsufura both as an advocate for Japanese American Redress & Reparations and as  a trail-blazing New York City principal.  He was our children's principal and a remarkable human being. Today, throughout the City,   graduates of PS 41 - teachers, artists, jazz musicians, physicians, city officials, actors, lawyers, social activists - continue to leave their own mark on this world.   We join the  Greenwich Village School community in expressing our condolences. Thank youTadashi Tsufura. You made the world we share a better place for all.

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Tsufura’s passing   He was my principal at PS 41 from 1979-1983. He was an extraordinary  leader, and I remember him being strict—but also very kind.  He remembered the students. I felt like he cared. He was also the Superintendent on the upper west side when I was in middle and high school uptown. We ran into each other a few times as I grew, and he was always so lovely. Not everyone remembers their elementary school principal with such fondness, but I do. 

Please accept my deepest condolences. He was a beautiful person. I’ll never forget him. 

Without Mr. Tsufora my life may have taken a different route. He was the one who discovered I did not speak English and needed help learning. He was the calm to all of our storms. We looked to him for protection, guidance and certainty in a changing world as we grew up. He will definitely be missed and the world will not be the same. Mr. Tsufora will forever be a legend, a hero and friend. He will never be forgotten.

Tadashi Tsufura was a wonderful human being. An inspiring educator, he was devoted to the children in his care. I was lucky to have him teach me seventh grade math at P. S. 3. To this day, I still remember many of his lessons. One day, a boy in the class organized a tribute: all of us kids were in the classroom before he was, and when he walked in we all stood up and applauded. We are all doing so again. 

To the family of Tad and Mabel Tsufura, my sincere condolences go out to them on their loss. Knowing Tad for many years through various Japanese American (JA) community and non-community projects, we spoke on our histories as being incarcerated JAs during WWII. I last saw Tad at February 22's Day of Remembrance (DOR), not knowing it would be my last. That day as the group walked down W. 34th Street south to the DOR program, I teased him how he was not passing out enough flyers to the public educating them about this incarceration. He ignored me. We often had these warm exchanges of friendship. I knew he was a great storyteller and at ease in communicating to all, but always self-effacing and never extolling his many accomplishments. He was most proud as a public school teacher, keeping in contact with many students even into adulthood. They had so much respect for him; he influenced so many. Tad was a rare and unique individual. No words can convey my loss of a friend, nor what Tad meant to those he profoundly affected. I will miss him deeply, but he will remain alive in my many memories of him.


Mr. Tsufura was one of the best educators I've encountered. Managed to learn math and martial arts from him. I can see how his life experiences made him the great teacher we were fortunately to have. We will all miss him dearly.


My daughter went to PS 41 and I had been so impressed with his leadership, I recently asked him how he managed to learn the names and personalities of all of the students under his care, and this was his response:
"Principals usually assign teachers to the LUNCH ROOM,  but for me the lunchroom was my Classroom and I purposely
made the 3 lunchroom period heterogeneous by grade(1st, 2nd….to the 5th grade)  and 'demanded' that the older one take care of the younger ones.  And to make sure no one gets hurt and that any accidents are to come directly to me.   When the older ones took to the responsibility and I felt comfortable, I sat with the kindergarten kids and shared food, conversation, and names and it gave me the opportunity to learn their names. So as the years went by I had the privilege of knowing the kids by their given name… I also let it be known that my office was always open and If the kids had a problem, they could see me at anytime of the school day… thus, we learn to trust each other."
Dated March 1, 2020
How fortunate we all were to have had Mr. Tsufura  in our lives.

Mr. Tsufura you will be sorely missed!  I was a grade schooler in the ‘80s at PS 41 when you were our principal. It’s been years since we last crossed paths but my memory of you is still fresh. Tough love was your method of practice, and you had such an endearing way to resonate with so many children.  Thank you for your passionate dedication to educating NYC kids.

My deepest condolences to your family.
 

He was the best principal I have ever had.  A kind and caring gentleman.  I will never forget him,               


                          RIP. To Sir with LOVE....

Mr. Tsufura was a wonderful teacher, a kind and generous man, and an inspiring mentor to countless students.  His lessons were about math, as you know.  But they were also frequently about so much more.  He made the subject almost spiritual.  I was never any good at it, of course.  But for him, I tried.  I really, really tried.  He made me want to be better.  And he made me be better.  I am eternally grateful.    

Mr. Tsufura was not large in stature, but in my eyes he will always be a giant among all the teachers I've ever had.  In my years of attending IS 70, Mr. Tsufura was one of two teachers I single out as deserving reverence.  He was my ninth grade math teacher, and for me it was a badge of honor to be assigned to his math class.   Sometimes the work was hard (included alot of theory) but did we learn!  Even more importantly, the entire class respected and loved Mr. Tsufura for his brilliance, wisdom, and compassion.  And he respected us in return.


He was one of the best teachers I had in my 22 years of schooling.

Will Miss Your Guidance , Concern for my Future & your Help in my Schooling , Love & Miss you Mr Tsufura,  RIP  

Tad was an amazing and talented math teacher and administrator. He taught at and was an Assistant Principal at IS 70 which both of my daughters attended and the Principal at PS 41 which they also attended. He cared about students and worked with parents to obtain the best outcomes for all of the students under his caring supervision. 
 He was a serious participant in the Japanese American Movement to obtain reparations for those American citizens who were locked up in camps during WWII simply because of their origins.  I learned about his determination and zeal to right these wrongs from the perspective of someone who with his family had been in one of those camps. To put it simply, Tad was a Mensch, a good human being. My condolences to his family for both their losses.


I was a grade schooler at PS 41 and I remember how Mr. Tsufura was so warm as well as focused on knowing us as students. He and my father, both Japanese Americans who went through the WWII Japanese internment experience, got along and when it came time to testify before Congress, breaking the silence on this experience and its impact on Japanese American families, he was a hero that was part of our community getting reparations for this disgraceful act. So fortunate to have had him as a principal in my time at PS 41. 

I was in Mr. Tsufura's math class as a ninth grader in New York City in 1962. There are few teachers whose names I can recall but his was one of them. He was a great teacher and a wonderful person. I just finished reading his life story on Tessaku. Of course I knew nothing about this at the time I was his student. I became a physician and have always felt a loss when one of my patients died, regardless of their age. There are people who have remained significant to me for my entire life. Mr. Tsufura was one of them. My sincerest condolences to the family.

Tad was a wonderful principal and friend. I was a teacher at PS41 when Tad arrived to lead the school. Because I was a somewhat unconventional teacher, I was nervous that he would force me to conform. I soon learned that his number one priority was the students. If a teacher fostered their students' learning and sense of belonging, he would support that teacher, no matter what style of teaching he or she preferred.  Students, teachers, and parents loved him for his integrity, caring, and desire to do the right thing no matter what. We will miss him.

I went to I.S 70. I remember Mr. Tsufura from the hall ways. He was the person that would pull you aside and be interested in whatever task you might be lingering in the hall for. His door was ALWAYS open. If it was shut , you could see him  looking  into someones face to get a straight answer. Those students that left his office always in good spirits. When i heard years after I left IS 70 I heard that he was a principal at P.S. 41. I was in awe that he was the best person for the job. Someone made a really good choice  

I know my children received the best grade school education under the guidance of Tadashi at PS 41.  i still feel blessed that they were both able to attend this school.
He was kind, fun and warm and cared for each and every student with love and care.
He cultivated an atmosphere of inclusiveness attending to the needs of all the children in the school. 
My memories of him will last forever.
Dale Candela

Mr. Tsufura makes my list of the top 10 people who materially shaped my character and made me who I am today.  He was a stern, but compassionate principal, who cared about each student that passed through the halls of P.S. 41.   When I was sent to the principal's office for writing graffiti on the school bus, fighting in the school yard or throwing spitballs on the bathroom ceiling, he handled each incident strongly, but kindly.  And 25 years after graduation, at a mini-reunion, he came with a big smile and wonderful memories of each of his former students.  He even took a bunch of pictures and later sent me a handmade photo album, full of witty commentary to remember the event.  What a truly remarkable man!

I believe Mr Tsufura became our teacher at PS 3 in the late 50’s when our regular teacher ran away from us...  In that class was James (Red) Lynch, Emely Yule and many others that became model students because the rumor got out that Mr Tsufura was a Karate expert...  LOVED that man.  May he RIP🥰

I loved Tsufura.  He was patient and kind and always went out of his way to make sure we understood lessons and could pass tests.  He really cared, and his humanity was palpable.  A wonderful man.  I had a schoolgirl crush on him.

I attended I.S. 70 in the mid-70s, when Mr. Tsufura was a dean and, like Doug Howie, one of my few interactions with him there was being caught writing graffiti - not a proud moment! However, even in that instant, as in many others I witnessed, he used his outwardly stern nature to put across a sense of caring - he wanted us all to be better students, better people, and he would probably do whatever it took to help us get there. I didn't appreciate that much when I was 12, but I certainly came to understand it and value it as time went by.

One of the last times I saw him I was about 21, working in a sneaker shop, and Tsufura walked in to buy a pair of shoes. There was that great smile (that he didn't deploy too often with us as dean!), and we had a nice chat, catching up. He said that we were all such good kids in "my day," and that the students had gotten to be more difficult - he said he missed us! He probably said that to everyone he ran into, but here he was again, finding a way to make someone feel good about themself - a natural thing for a great teacher. He also said he was getting tired of it all - teaching, administration, the school system - he said "Tony, some days I think I'd be happier digging ditches!" Apparently, and thankfully for us,  he got past that impulse and went on to be a great principal and do decades more inspirational work. Still, I hope he got to do some gardening and get his hands in the earth, or put in a fence post, or whatever he might have  needed to clear his mind from time to time. Rest in peace.

This is very sad to hear. To hear that they (he and his lovely wife) passed away together is at once comforting and disquieting. He was a lovely man and so kind a memory for me. A wonderful teacher and human being. And the world has lost another good one it can’t afford to lose. 
My heart and prayers go for them both and their beloveds. 

I attended I.S.70, 1969-1973. Mr. Tsufari was my 8th grade teacher...
I am saddened to hear if his and his wife's passing together.  it's sad and beautiful at the same time.  He was stern but cared about our learning. he was a no nonsense teacher. Thank God for him. May he rest well in peace. He  lived a nice long life, had a wonderful career.  well done faithful servant. Take your well earned rest.  You will never be forgotten.  Fondly  Alicia Ford

I just read the news of Mr. Tsufura and his wife’s passing on the Facebook P.S. 41 alumni page. I was immediately sad, despite the fact that it had been years since I thought of him. In a flash, I was brought back to the main office of 41, where I met this kind and quiet man. My mother enrolled me as an out of district student, something that was illegal then but often done when you didn’t live in a good school district.  Mr. T made me, as a nervous, shy 7     year old, feel welcome. I learned posthumously about the amazing parts of his life that led to Tad Tsufura becoming a teacher -inspiring, but not surprising.  Mr. Tsufura had kind eyes and a way of letting you know what he thought without a lot of words.  I will always be grateful for the educational foundation he and P.S.   41 provided me.  Sending condolences to his daughters during this most unusual and difficult of times. - Allison (Alli) Joseph, P.S. 41 class of 1985 

I have had an extraordinary life since I last spoke to Mr. Tsufura; I have met some of the most talented writers, presidents, governors etc, and Tad Tsufura stands as a giant among them. How could we have been so fortunate to have him as a teacher and AP?? God bless you dear Mr. Tsufura (he was so happy I went to live in Japan and met other Tsufuras); Rest with the Ages, and thank you God for the gift of Mr. Tsufura.


I didn't have him as a teacher except maybe for a substitute teacher once or twice.  But I encountered him in various moments at school and he always seemed to be centered, balanced, direct and to the point.  I admired that about him.  It wasn't until well into my adulthood that I learned of his internment during WW2.  My heart nearly broke.  
I was glad that he and other I.S. 70 faculty came to the class of '74 unofficial collective 50th birthday party that I helped organize about ten years ago in SoHo.  Big hugs to  Mr. Tsufura's family.

Mr. T is what we called you at IS70 in Chelsea. You made learning fun and you enjoyed to teach. I don't recall a time when you weren't smiling. Everyone talked about how you were an amazing teacher. What I remember most was your charismatic, empathic, and kindheartedness toward your students; it showed you geniunely cared. You are going to be missed because you were truly loved. 

Mr. Tsufura was my favorite Principal ever. I spent many a day in his office for no other reasons than I thought I was invincible and I never shied away from getting in trouble (in fact I welcomed it). 
He was very strict, but was also very fair. He saw in me something that I didn't see in myself, the will to succeed.
I am devastated. But with that devastation, I will always know that he got to meet my wife and children.
He cared for his students like no other.
R.I.P. to Mr. and Mrs. Tsufura.

I am deeply saddened to hear of Mr. T's passing. He was truly a great human being.  I will be forever grateful for his kind guidance. There are so many lives that he touched and nourished. Thank you to his family for sharing him, may you find comfort in the  loving memories that so many are sharing..

Mr Tsufura was my Math teacher....I wasn't very good with math but because of him and his dedication to my learning, I left his class as an A math student.  He invested time and patience with me and that is what I will always remember about him.  He was the best!

I so loved Mr. Tsufura, he was a magical man. I saw him deal with students that had a tough time learning in our tough neighborhood.  He was strict, loving and smart. I will never forget him and his style. I became a teacher and coach in my life and always remembered his message. So sorry for his family to lose him, but so happy for us all to have had him in our lives, such a fab message he gave.

I loved Mr. Tsufura.  A kind, caring, brilliant man who wanted the best for his students and colleagues.  A man who far transcended the internment camp of his youth, who touched countless lives.  May his memory be for a blessing.  Baruch Dayan HaEmet.

I deeply admired Mr. Tsufura, and his way of inspiring us to do our best. He was strict, but never in a way that wasn't constructive.  The absolute joy I saw in him when he was in front of the room, opening our minds to the wondrous abstractness of math was infectious. I can honestly say his was the only math class I ever enjoyed. 

His life story was one of triumph over the harshest circumstances, and yet, there was never even a trace of bitterness or hardness in his demeanor. 

May he be guiding lovingly to the other side of life by those who have gone before. 



My condolences to the tsufura family and friends. Great teacher above all taught me discipline. I.S.70  1973 -1976

God bless his soul.

I never had Mr. Tsufura for a math teacher, but I would see him often and I know for a fact that he was an orderly man and a strict teacher.  I am so sadden about his passing.  May he rest in peace!

The original Mr. T. My fondest memory of P.S 41 was Principal Tsufura on the stage in the auditorium, holding up his fingers in the ‘peace sign’ willing 300+ children to silence, absolutely the kindest principal ever. My sincerest condolences to the Tsufura Family, God’s blessings at this sensitive time. 

Mr. Tsufura was my math teacher at I.S. 70. He was strict but fair.  He was always passionate about his craft. My fond memories of him will forever be ingrained as he was a special person. My prayers and condolences go out to his family. 

Mr Tsfura was my principle at P.S.41 and made all of feel loved and welcomed. He helped my mom get me into the school because we lived In another district.  He will truly be missed.  Whenever I refer to my school years he was always the first one I talked about. My deepest condolences  to his family and sorry for the lost of his wife as well. May they rest in peace.

He taught me algebra at I.S. 70.  Our class had 44 students in it, and every one of us aced the Algebra regents. That’s not just teaching; that’s magic. I looked forward to that class like it was the next episode of a soap opera. But enough about me. Sir, though you are now socially distant, may you be, too, joy adjacent.

The best principle ever. Life was not easy but he made it safe for me in school. Had  great smile, a beautiful heart. He loved all of his student's. He will be missed. 

Mr. Tsufura was my math teacher more than 50 years ago.  I have remembered him fondly for the last half-century as a wonderful teacher and kind individual. I struggled with algebra and when we had a project due, he allowed me to sculpt a bust of a Greek mathematician for my grade.  More than fifty years ago, he understood learning differences and ways to promote engagement. He always remembered all of us as well, as we each seemed to hold a place in his heart. You are the best, Mr. Tsufura.
Linda Cohen Schwartz JHS 3

My sincere condolences to the Tsufura family.  Linda Cauttero,7th grade Algebra student   PS 3

I remember Mr. T. Fondly from PS41. I am sorry to hear of his passing. He was a remarkable man! My condolences to his family.

Mr Tsufura helped to form my life at a time when we were mostly going in the wrong direction he sat me down and gave me advice. I did write to him many years ago to thank him for all of his care and kindness. Not only did he educate us in Math, Science etc. Mt Tsufura taught many of us how to live a better life. I owe him so much gratitude. May we meet again and I hope you are proud and not yelling at me. You were my most outstanding influence in all of my teaching.  Rest in peace, Sir. Looks like you never looked your age btw I am glad you lived a long and happy life. 
Teri  IS 70 1975 

When I first started my time at IS 70, in 1969, one of my first memories was of Tad Tsufura. He walked into my homeroom in the 6th Grade and just looked over my fellow nubies, and peered at us like we were being silently assessed. He scared the heck outta me, as an 11 year old. However, over the next 3 years, though he did growl at kids from time to time, like a samurai heading toward battle, his love and that famous tough love of his for the kids at "70," always shined through! I will never forget him and the dedication to educating and helping the kids he loved so much!💙

Mr. Tsufura, you left an indelible mark on my life.  I "got" math because of you, and you inspired me to follow in your footsteps and become an educator.  In your class at IS 70, I witnessed what an exemplary teacher and human being you were.  So many lives were touched by your patience and kindness.  You, Sir, will be lovingly remembered, and  forever sorely missed!  

A wonderful educator, role model and mentor to many. How lucky I was to have known you early in my career. RIP
Meryl 

My condolences  to his family. I remember his moving address to my class of '76, Intermediate School 70.


Thank you Mr. Tsufura, I have never forgotten the care, love, & support you showed towards all of us little kids at PS41. I remember how you were never too busy to kneel down & help us into our coats, or unstick a recalcitrant zipper. Thank you sir for your joy, grace & dignity; a gentleman in the very best sense of the word. You made a deep & lasting impression on generations of children. My condolences to your family. May your memory be a blessing everlasting. 

You were one of my my father’s best friends. You were an incredible principal and at PS41. A brilliant man and someone to look up to. You will be missed. 

Mr. Tsufura was an amazing educator who was legendary in my neighborhood.  He was a teacher of my mother’s and later on served as my Principal while I attended P. S. 41 in the 1980’s.  His impact and presence in the NYC school system will never be forgotten.  My deepest condolences to his family. 

RIP Tsufura, you were truly a special man I have fond memories of you at IS 70 even if you did catch me putting up graffiti in the hall way and make me scrub the boys locker room as my lesson/punishment  😊 your dedication to the students and our school was truly special you will surely be missed by many.

My elementary school principal. A legend. An educator. A role model. A force of good. A man of integrity. A leader. Tough and cool. He was my mom’s JHS teacher and I got in to my elementary school PS 41 because of him. He and my experience there totally impacted my life.  That I could shed tears years after last having seen him tells you all you need to know about his reach. And his activism on behalf of Japanese Americans, I’m sure others can tell you more about. When they say things like “They don’t make them like that anymore” or “They broke the mold when they made him,” it’s because of people like him. Condolences to his family, friends, coworkers and students.

Teacher and Hero to many. 

1968-1972.— I.S. 70

Our beloved brilliant teacher who reoriented my life.   Fierce kindness. Transmitted math the language of the universe and philosophy.  

Tadashi Tsufura was the most important teacher I ever had. At P. S. 3, the junior high school in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, he inspired his students, particularly those of us on the Math Team. I am forever indebted to him for all he did to encourage us, pushing for the best we could do. May he be a sweet memory for all who knew him. 

OBITUARY

Tadashi Tsufura

September 17, 1930 – March 29, 2020

Thomas M. Quinn & Sons Funeral Home

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