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Thomas P. Scarano, Ph.D. OBITUARY

Dr. Tom Scarano of Denver, CO, ran his last 10K race, the Wharf-to-Wharf in Santa Cruz, CA, on July 27, 2025. He finished his life journey on May 4, 2026, in Denver, when a rare form of lung cancer forced him to retire his running shoes. After being cared for at home for a number of months, he spent his last 24 hours in Denver Hospice’s inpatient unit.

Tom was born in Endicott, NY, to Patrick Scarano and Julia Robilatti. He remembered his dad as a hardworking independent businessman and his mom as a loving woman who worked hard to provide for her four children and guided them in becoming the remarkable adults they developed into. He attended Vestal High School in upstate NY before earning a B.S. degree in Math and Psychology at Southern Illinois University in 1964. He finished his education with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 1977. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966, serving in combat in Vietnam, and honorably discharged in 1968.

Tom and his spouse, Margaret Reiland, met in Houston, TX in 1986 and embarked on their life journey together. He was a strong advocate for Margaret to finish her college education, which she did, earning her doctorate degree in 1997 and joining Tom in the field of clinical psychology. He was always a firm believer in education, particularly for girls and women, knowing it would allow them to be confident and independent and successful in life.

Tom was the father of four children: Aren, Jamie, Patrick, and Anthony. He took great pride in the successful adults they have become. Likewise, he adored his seven grandchildren and delighted in spending time with them as they embark on their own life journeys.

As a psychologist, Tom was passionate about his work with the VA, serving as Regional Manager for Readjustment Counseling Services, developing and providing comprehensive services to Vietnam veterans having readjustment problems relating to their war experiences. From there he became Chief of Psychology for the Denver Police Department, later moving to Chief of Psychological Services at Denver Sherif Department. He helped many police officers and deputy sheriffs become more effective in their jobs, and he helped inmates overcome difficulties and become better functioning members of society.

Tom lived a meaningful life. He will be remembered for his kindness and generosity. We’ll always imagine hearing him shout, “Go, Yankees!” or, “Oh, Yankees. . .” one more time. We couldn’t have asked for a better spouse, brother, father, grandpa, or friend. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

Tom was preceded in death by his mom and dad and sisters Betty and Patty. He is survived by his spouse Margaret Reiland; brother Anthony (Tony) Scarano (NY); children Aren (CA), Jamie (CA), Patrick (CO); and Anthony (CA and CO); and grandchildren Tristyn, Alexandra, and Reagan (CA), and Junyper, Jazmine, Belladonna, and Grayson (CO).

Arrangements for Tom will be 5/14/26 at Fairmount funeral home in Denver, with visitation at 1 p.m. and service and interment at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to unicefusa.org, click on “Kids in Need of Desks” or “Donate Scholarships.”