Thomas C Scott Jr.

Thomas Coster Scott Jr. passed peacefully on Monday, August 31 at his home in Charlottesville, VA. He was 84 years old. He was born September 3, 1930 and was raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Tom attended Calvert Hall in Towson, Maryland, where he excelled academically and athletically. Heavily recruited to play football by several of the top college programs in the country, Tom chose The University of Virginia. He majored in education and was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He was regarded as a top athlete in football, basketball and baseball, and later lacrosse. Although football was where Tom found his true calling, he earned 10 varsity letters in the sports he participated in, including first team All American honors in Football and Lacrosse, a first for any student athlete at UVA. He played in the East West Shrine and College All-Star games. He was voted the best All-Around Athlete in the history of UVA. The University retired Tom’s football jersey, number 65, in 2007 in honor of his achievements on and off the field. After graduating from college, Tom joined the National Football League. He played six seasons as linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, and was named the NFL Rookie of The Year in his first season. In 1959 he went on to the New York Giants and played during an era now described as the Giants’ Golden Years. The team competed in NFL Championship games in 1959, 1961, 1962, and 1963. During these years, Tom was named All-Pro in seven of his 12 seasons with the NFL. At the close of the 1964 season Tom retired as a player, and became assistant defensive coach for the Giants. Additionally he was honored at other times in his life. In 1996 the NFL Players Association awarded Tom the Profile in Courage Award. In December 2013 Tom was selected as a member of the ACC Legends class of 2013, representing the University of Virginia. In 2006 The State of Virginia General Assembly issued a House Joint Resolution No 196 in honor of his many accomplishments. He was inducted into the National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame in 1979. In addition he was honored to be inducted into The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 1989, Maryland Hall of Fame in 1976 and Calvert Hall. He treasured his lifelong friendships with his teammates and other players throughout his college and professional athletic careers. Tom was a long time resident of New Canaan, CT for 35 years, where he and Linda raised their family. He launched a successful career with Mass Mutual, specializing in life insurance. He spent the rest of his professional life there, receiving the fifty-year award from the company upon his retirement. He served on the National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall of Fame Board of Directors from 1977 until 2005. Tom is preceded in death by his first wife Joan Davis Scott, and son Thomas C. Scott III. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Linda Scott; daughter in law Susan Scott of Cranford, NJ; son David Scott of Deep River, CT; daughter Sandra and husband Leslie Dale of New Canaan, CT; son Michael and wife Alison Scott of Charlotte, NC; and daughter Patricia Scott of Rowayton, CT. He is survived by eight grandchildren: Owen Scott, Ian Scott and Emma Scott, Andrew Scott and Sam Scott, Ashley Larence and husband Eric Larence, and Charles Scott and William Scott. At the time of his passing Tom and Linda were looking forward to welcoming their first great grandson. Tom was a true gentleman, sportsman, and family man. His family, and all who were blessed to know and love him, will miss and remember him always. The family would like to extend their utmost appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the following caregivers who worked with and supported Tom during his final months; Doretha Givens; Amy Givens; Odell Franklin; Renee Tinnell; and Karen Skipper. The family will receive friends Thursday, September 3 from 6:00-8:00pm at Teague Funeral Home, 2260 Ivy Road, Charlottesville, VA. A memorial celebration service will follow on Friday, September 4th at 2:00PM at Church of Our Savior, 1165 Rio Road E, Charlottesville, and will be officiated by The Reverend David M. Stoddart. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, please honor Tom Scott’s memory with a donation to the Virginia Athletics Foundation, PO Box 400833, Charlottesville, VA 22904. Condolences may be offered to the family at teaguefuneralhome.com