Judge Thomas A. Scarduzio Jr.

Oct. 7, 1952 - Nov. 20, 2018

Formerly of Pennsauken, passed away unexpectedly in Phoenix Arizona where Tom was laid to rest. Son of Mary R. (nee Branco) and the late Thomas A. Scarduzio Sr. Also survived by his daughters Jennifer (Travis Gibbs) and Jacquelyn (Mark Bunker) and his beloved grandchildren Barrett (BD)Gibbs and Claire Bunker, his former wife Denise, his sister Maria and brother in law, Marshall, his nephews, Thomas (Christina), Douglas (Bethany), Bradley (Jen) and Ian and a huge family and many friends who loved him.

Thomas attended St. Peter School, Merchantville NJ where he graduated in 1966. During his time at St. Peter, he began playing football in the 6th grade. It was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with the sport. He continued to play football and also ran track at Camden Catholic High School (CCHS) in Cherry Hill, NJ. Tom was named an all South Jersey Scholar Athlete. He was a member of the CCHS graduating class of 1970. He was awarded a scholarship to play football at the University of Rhode Island (URI) and played until a career ending injury during his senior year season. After URI he returned to Pennsauken as he awaited his acceptance into law school. He moved from NJ for good in 1975 when he went to Ohio to attend the University of Dayton Law School. Upon graduation from law school he and his wife Denise (nee Tessier) packed up their belongings and moved to Arizona, without jobs or a place to live, to begin life in the warmer climate of the Southwest.

When Tom arrived in Arizona he signed up immediately to become an AIA high school football official and later became a college football official. He was very well known and respected as an official. He was inducted into the Arizona Football Officials Association Hall of Fame in 2010. He was a mentor to hundreds of officials over the years. His leadership, innovation and teaching resulted in many rule changes and clarifications. Tom was a practicing lawyer in criminal and civil law until his retirement to become an Arizona Judge ProTem for Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe and Scottsdale Municipal Courts.

Tom was a volunteer in many organizations including the Arcadia Little League and New Pathways for Youth, an organization for at risk teens. He was a guardian angel to a good friend, someone he knew who had an emotional breakdown and was having serious issues recovering. They spent countless hours attending Diamondback games, going to dinner and watching movies. It was important to this man's wife that he have a friend and Tom saw to it that he was always there for him.

All family and friends are invited to join us for a Celebration of Life mass for Thomas at Saint Mary of the Lakes Church in Medford NJ on Thursday December 27th. Visitation begins at 10am followed by Mass at 11am.