Thomas Gerbasi held his granddaughter’s hand throughout his speech the night of April 30 in New York.

The touching scene encapsulated the hardworking, humble writer’s complete commitment to his family and his craft as he accepted his 2024 Nat Fleischer Award for excellence in boxing journalism from the Boxing Writers Association of America. Gerbasi, who died Tuesday at the age of 57, was remembered throughout the industry Wednesday as a gifted, inquisitive, thorough storyteller whose fantastic sense of humor, kindness and easygoing nature made him a favorite among his peers.

Gerbasi was a longtime contributor to The Ring and other online boxing outlets and authored several books about boxing and mixed martial arts. His most recent book, “Boxing: The 100 Greatest Fighters,” was released online Sept. 9.

Gerbasi also worked for UFC as its editorial director for the past 20 years.

“I’m absolutely crushed by Tom’s passing,” said Rick Reeno, CEO of The Ring. “Tom Gerbasi was a pioneer for combat sports on the Internet. He covered the boxers who were often ignored. It didn’t matter if the fighter was an amateur, a prospect or a retired veteran – Tom gave them a voice and told their story. In my 20 years of knowing Tom, I’ve never heard anyone say a bad word about him. He will be sorely missed by the entire fight community. May he rest in peace.”

Gerbasi, a New York native and graduate of St. John’s University, broke into Internet journalism as an editor and writer for HouseofBoxing.com and later MaxBoxing.com, in which he was part owner. He later wrote features and covered fights for BoxingScene.com, The Ring and ESPN.com, among others.

“Words can’t explain the sorrow I feel,” Ring Magazine Editor-in-Chief Doug Fischer, a former co-owner of MaxBoxing, said. “Tom was a pioneer in online boxing and MMA journalism and the heart of HouseofBoxing and MaxBoxing. He was truly a good man. My heart goes out to his family.”

Steve Kim, another writer and part owner of MaxBoxing, always appreciated Gerbasi’s calmness under pressure and professionalism.

“He had a very matter-of-fact attitude towards the business,” Kim said. “I never got the sense that anything ever flustered him. And he was a very reliable guy. You could always count on him to be a professional.

“He was really a pioneer in the sense that he was probably one of the first ones to really hitch his wagon to the UFC. He made the decision to leave MaxBoxing, and I give him credit. He was absolutely a vital part of [UFC’s] growth.”

Promoter Lou DiBella had a 90-minute conversation with Gerbasi on Saturday. Phone calls with the engaging Gerbasi were rarely short, yet never seemed long because he kept people laughing and genuinely cared about what was said to him.

“He had a great sense of humor,” DiBella said. “And he was talented. And he cared about people. He was just a salt-of-the-earth type of dude. This just really sucks.”

Gerbasi was also a mentor to young writers who tried to navigate their way through online boxing and MMA journalism. He long served as chairman of the BWAA’s membership committee and won numerous BWAA writing awards over his career.

Joe Santoliquito, president of the BWAA, remembered Gerbasi as an invaluable member of the organization and a compassionate person who was always willing to lend a helping hand.

“He always made you laugh,” Santoliquito said. “Regardless of the situation, regardless of what was happening, he could always put a smile on your face. I literally have tears streaming down my face, but with a smile on my face just thinking about him. I don’t think he would want anybody to cry over him.

“Anybody that thinks of Tom, they have to laugh, they have to smile. Any time you spoke to him, it brightened your day. Just last week I was talking to him, and he was teasing me about getting in shape and my fat Italian ass laying off the meatballs. It’s a devastating loss.”

Gerbasi played in a soccer league with men and women much younger than he was and ran marathons in recent years. His last post on his Facebook page late Sunday night typified the self-deprecating Gerbasi’s lightheartedness and appreciation of friends and teamwork.

“Maybe the pre-game eggplant at @vincentsclambarlongisland wasn’t a great idea,” Gerbasi wrote. “Cardio was [expletive], but what a game with the Corrupted Youth squad tonight. Like @acguarneri accurately pointed out, we won ¾ of the game. Of course, that first ¼ put us in a hole, but we never stopped fighting and attacking. Love this team. And it was great to have @danieljohnbalthazar and @emmssterr back on the pitch, too. Plus, my man Danny brought his copy of 100 Greatest to be signed. Really appreciate that. Didn’t appreciate the corner kick to the head that dropped me or busting up the other knee, but hey kids, this is a contact sport.”

Gerbasi is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sonia Rodriguez-Gerbasi, his daughter, Jordan Gerbasi-Fanticola, and two granddaughters.