The City Newspaper staff mourns the loss of our talented young reporter, Tarek Tannous, who died on Sunday, June 12.

Tarek had waged a lengthy, determined battle against leukemia. At his funeral at Blessed Sacrament Church earlier this week, he was described as a strong young man. He was, indeed. Strong, and courageous, and optimistic in the face of debilitating, difficult treatment, pain, and discouraging news. This was a cancer he had licked once, and he was confident that he would lick it again.

Tarek was an editor's dream: eager, ethical, bright, kind, sensitive, curious, persistent, and a strong writer. He was a delight to be around, and a joy to work with. A newcomer to Rochester, he brought to us his experience as a reporter for a daily newspaper in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and immediately immersed himself in the governmental structures and culture of Upstate New York. He was blessed with strong journalistic instincts, and he had a rich, rewarding career ahead of him.

We are grieved that he was denied that career, and that the Rochester community is denied the benefit of his insight and talent. We miss him, and extend our heartfelt sympathy to those who miss him most, his devoted family.