Thomas Scarlett

Thomas Scarlett, age 82, of Potomac, MD died on August 20, 2025 from complications related to pneumonia.

Mr. Scarlett was born on July 20, 1943, in Charlottesville, VA, the son of Thomas Scarlett and Elizabeth Mae Cook Scarlett.

He earned a B.A. Degree at Columbia University and later received his law degree at Yale University Law School.

Mr. Scarlett was a prominent and well-respected attorney in the field of food and drug law and served as Chief Counsel of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the Reagan Administration. He later became a senior partner at the Washington, D.C. law firm of Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, P.C. before his retirement.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, he had a deep passion for history, art, and animal welfare. Although he never married, Mr. Scarlett maintained a wide circle of family, friends, and admirers who cherished his keen intellect, kindness, and sense of humor.

Mr. Scarlett is survived by his half-siblings Susan Scarlett of Cary, NC; Christopher Scarlett of Ellensburg, WA; and Deborah Peters of Phillipsburg, MT; as well as his cousin Mary Lynn

Zurich of Alachua, FL.

He was predeceased by his parents and his older sister Kathleen Scarlett.

A graveside service will be held at Parklawn Memorial Park & Menorah Gardens, 12800 Veirs Mill Road, Rockville, MD, on Tuesday, September 2, at 11:30 a.m. ET.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary, P.O. Box 507, Poolesville, MD 20837, or via email at info@animalsanctuary.org.