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Thomas Louis Marone (“Pops,” the Pepper Guy, and owner/founder of Mad Hill Peppers), age 71, of Madison, lifetime partner of Jean B. Gerrity for 35 years, passed away on Oct. 21. Tom was an electrical project manager at VP Electric. He was respected and loved as a mentor and friend to all who worked with him.

Tom was born Nov. 22, 1947. He graduated from North Haven High School in 1965, where he played varsity football and earned a place on the All-Housatonic League Team and the Nutmeg East-West All-Star Football Team. He was later inducted into his High School Sports Hall of Fame. Upon graduation from North Haven High School, Tom received a Congressional Appointment to the US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.

Tom earned a bachelor of science degree in marine engineering as well as his Coast Guard Marine Engineering License from the USMMA. He served his country as an engineering officer in both the Merchant Marine and the Naval Reserve during the Vietnam War, and then continued his education at UConn, earning a bachelor of science degree in animal science and a master of science degree in farm management.

Tom adored his large, extended family, loved fishing, and farming his peppers. Survivors include brothers Michael (Gail) and Daniel (Anne); sisters Judy Tripodi (Peter), Charlene Erbe (Kevin), and Bonnie Marone Rees; 11 nieces and nephews; 6 great-nieces and -nephews; stepdaughter Pam Gerrity Kadamus; and stepson Jamie Gerrity. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Taylor, Lyndsay “The Lynz,” DJ, Laura, Erin, Katie, and James. He was predeceased by father Horace Marone, mother Gloria (Girard) Marone, brother George Marone (Rose Ann Boyle), and granddaughter Aja Gerrity.

Tom was larger than life and lit up every room he walked into. To say he will be sorely missed is an understatement.