Obituary of Thomas J. Marli

Thomas Marli, 74, of Selkirk, NY, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2024, surrounded by friends and family. 

Tom was born on May 9, 1949, to philanthropist Lou and Josephine Marli, in Staten Island, NY.  Tom graduated from Monsignor Farrell High School in 1967 and as a teenager, worked at the family owned, Bement Pharmacy.  In the late 1980’s, he began his career in civil service at the New York State Department of Health and eventually retired. 

Tom, the youngest of three boys, was a diehard Yankee’s and Giants fan, history buff, avid lover of books and board games, and always up for an adventure.  Never marrying or having children of his own, Tom, took on the big brother role of his best friend Mike DiCarlo’s youngest children, Michael and Elida.  He spent countless hours with the family who will always remember him fondly.  From mud ball fights to trivia nights, and long days at the lake, Tom always brought humor and wit to every environment. 

Despite his health challenges, Tom always had an optimistic outlook on life. His positivity was contagious, and you could not help but smile whenever you were around him. His departure is gravely felt by his brother Bob Marli and wife Mary and their two children David and Alison, his sister-in-law Margaret and her two children Ronald and Tara, his younger “siblings” Michael and Elida DiCarlo, and his close friend Joe Schwendemann. 

A memorial service to celebrate Tom’s life will be held in the spring. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Friends of the Bethlehem Public Library, www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/friends-of-bethlehem-public-library/