Thomas "Tom" F. Siragusa

Thomas F. “Tom” Siragusa passed away peacefully at his home on May 8, 2026, at the age of 93.

 

Tom was born in Houston, Texas, on September 26, 1932, to Joe and Mary Siragusa. He grew up in West University and graduated from Lamar High School, where he was recognized as an All-City and All-State football player, representing Texas in their victory against Oklahoma in the 1951 Oil Bowl. He went on to attend Rice University on a football scholarship and played during Rice’s historic 1954 Cotton Bowl win. While at Rice, he joined the United States Marine Corps PLC program, attending training at Quantico during the summers between semesters. After graduating from Rice in 1956, Tom entered the United States Marine Corps as a Second Lieutenant.

 

Tom continued to play football for the Marine Corps for a couple of years and also coached the boxing team before completing Recon training at Coronado. Between active duty and reserve service, he served a combined 28 years in the United States Marine Corps, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was a proud Marine whose discipline, courage, and sense of service remained with him throughout his life.

 

Through football, the Marine Corps, and the many chapters that followed, Tom forged lifelong friendships and treasured memories. A successful entrepreneur, he approached both business and life with determination, vision, and a larger-than-life spirit. He believed in hard work, treating people with respect, and making the most of every opportunity.

 

A licensed commercial pilot, offshore fisherman, avid golfer who played in pro-am tournaments around the country, and even occasional skydiver, Tom embraced life with enthusiasm and fearlessness. He lived boldly, welcomed every challenge, and shared an infectious sense of adventure and humor with everyone around him. Whether through his professional accomplishments, his unforgettable stories, or his unwavering support of family and friends, Tom left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to know him.

 

A devout Catholic throughout his life, Tom attended Mass faithfully every Sunday and approached his faith with a servant’s heart. He served as an usher in his church well into his later years, continuing in that role until the age of 90. His faith was a quiet but steady foundation in his life, reflected not only in his devotion to the Church, but in the way he treated others — with humility, generosity, and compassion.

 

Above all, Tom was a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Diane Siragusa; his three sons, Tommy and his wife Angie, Bryant and his wife Jeanna, and James and his wife Pam; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him tremendous pride and happiness. He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother Anthony and by his daughter, Joanne.

 

His family was the center of his world, and he treasured every moment spent with them.

 

Tom lived life to the fullest measure — with courage, humor, generosity, and heart. His legacy will live on through the family he loved so dearly and the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable 93 years.