Thomas Joseph Marino, a devoted father, grandfather, and respected figure in professional football scouting, passed away on January 24, 2026, at the age of 78.
Born in Somerville, Massachusetts on January 3, 1948, Tom grew up with a deep love for sports that stayed with him his entire life. A lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins, he enjoyed nothing more than watching games and spending time with family. That passion helped shape the career he would go on to build, and the many friendships he made along the way.
After graduating from Boston State College, Tom began a remarkable career in football scouting that spanned over 35 years and three professional leagues. He got his start as a scout for the Chicago Bears while still finishing his degree. He later worked as a talent evaluator for the New York Giants and spent the mid-1980s scouting in the USFL with the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars. In 1986, Tom joined the New Orleans Saints’ scouting department, where he served as a regional and national scout for nearly 15 years. He later spent six years with the St. Louis Rams (2000 to 2006), helping lead their college scouting efforts and contributing to several successful draft classes.
Tom was known throughout the league for his ability to recognize talent and for the work he put into every evaluation. Over the course of his career, he helped identify numerous future players who would go on to have successful professional careers. He is also credited with discovering defensive lineman Eric Swann, who in 1991 became the first non-collegiate player since 1946 to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. In recognition of his work, Tom was inducted into the Ourlads Scouts Hall of Fame and was honored as a Pro Football Scout of the Year.
Tom’s love of sports went far beyond football. He was an avid baseball fan who attended games and youth showcases, and he took great pride in sharing that love with his son. Whether it was breaking down a play or talking through a ballgame, Tom enjoyed teaching, telling stories, and spending time with the people he loved.
He was predeceased by his second wife, Danielle Fournier-Marino, who passed away in 2017 after a courageous seven-year battle with cancer. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Domenic and Silvia Marino.
Tom is survived by his son, Tommy Marino (and wife Rebecca) of Raleigh, NC, and their children, Reagan and Miles; and his daughter, Melissa Guzman of Easley, SC (and husband Scott), and their children, Logan and Maggie. He is also remembered by his former wife, Denise Marino, with whom he shared his two children. His two brothers, Larry, and Kenny. Tom leaves behind extended family and many friends who will remember his warm personality, his ability to talk to anyone, and the life lessons he shared through every conversation.
In retirement, Tom stayed connected to the football community, offering his insight through podcasts and keeping in touch with scouts and colleagues he respected.
Thomas Joseph Marino will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his work, and the sports he loved. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Born in Somerville, Massachusetts on January 3, 1948, Tom grew up with a deep love for sports that stayed with him his entire life. A lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins, he enjoyed nothing more than watching games and spending time with family. That passion helped shape the career he would go on to build, and the many friendships he made along the way.
After graduating from Boston State College, Tom began a remarkable career in football scouting that spanned over 35 years and three professional leagues. He got his start as a scout for the Chicago Bears while still finishing his degree. He later worked as a talent evaluator for the New York Giants and spent the mid-1980s scouting in the USFL with the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars. In 1986, Tom joined the New Orleans Saints’ scouting department, where he served as a regional and national scout for nearly 15 years. He later spent six years with the St. Louis Rams (2000 to 2006), helping lead their college scouting efforts and contributing to several successful draft classes.
Tom was known throughout the league for his ability to recognize talent and for the work he put into every evaluation. Over the course of his career, he helped identify numerous future players who would go on to have successful professional careers. He is also credited with discovering defensive lineman Eric Swann, who in 1991 became the first non-collegiate player since 1946 to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. In recognition of his work, Tom was inducted into the Ourlads Scouts Hall of Fame and was honored as a Pro Football Scout of the Year.
Tom’s love of sports went far beyond football. He was an avid baseball fan who attended games and youth showcases, and he took great pride in sharing that love with his son. Whether it was breaking down a play or talking through a ballgame, Tom enjoyed teaching, telling stories, and spending time with the people he loved.
He was predeceased by his second wife, Danielle Fournier-Marino, who passed away in 2017 after a courageous seven-year battle with cancer. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Domenic and Silvia Marino.
Tom is survived by his son, Tommy Marino (and wife Rebecca) of Raleigh, NC, and their children, Reagan and Miles; and his daughter, Melissa Guzman of Easley, SC (and husband Scott), and their children, Logan and Maggie. He is also remembered by his former wife, Denise Marino, with whom he shared his two children. His two brothers, Larry, and Kenny. Tom leaves behind extended family and many friends who will remember his warm personality, his ability to talk to anyone, and the life lessons he shared through every conversation.
In retirement, Tom stayed connected to the football community, offering his insight through podcasts and keeping in touch with scouts and colleagues he respected.
Thomas Joseph Marino will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his work, and the sports he loved. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
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