The New York Giants mourn the passing of Tom Marino, a respected scout whose 35 years of experience included time with the Giants in the 1980s. He was 78.
Born in Somerville, Mass., Marino grew up with a deep love for sports, which turned into a lifelong passion and career that spanned three professional leagues. After graduating from Boston State College, Marino got his break as a scout for the Chicago Bears before joining the Giants.
Marino spent the mid-1980s scouting in the USFL with the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars. In 1986, Marino 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 from 2000 to 2006, helping lead their college scouting efforts and contributing to several successful draft classes. During that time, the Rams won three division titles and made their second Super Bowl appearance in three years.
Marino was known throughout the league for his ability to recognize talent and for the work he put into every evaluation. He also served as a great mentor to scouts looking to break into the business.
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.
Marino was inducted into the Ourlads Scouts Hall of Fame and honored as a Pro Football Scout of the Year.
His love for 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.
Marino 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.
Marino is survived by his son, Tommy Marino (and wife Rebecca) of Raleigh, N.C., and their children, Reagan and Miles; and his daughter, Melissa Guzman of Easley, S.C. (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, and 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, Marino 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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