Thomas Marotta, 73, Saks vice president of couture

Thomas A. Marotta, vice president of couture for Saks Fifth Avenue and former buyer for Nan Duskin fashion house, died of cancer Friday. He was 73 and lived in Havertown.

Thomas started out in the music business. After graduating from Southeast Philadelphia High School, he began working at Chancellor Records in Philadelphia as a producer and road manager.

It was there he met his wife, Linda, when she took a job as a receptionist. He took one look at her and proclaimed, "That's the girl I'm going to marry." He did, 45 years ago.

During his career in music, he managed singers Fabian, Frankie Avalon, and others.

In 1979, he joined Nan Duskin in Center City as a sales associate. In 1994, he accepted the position of vice president of Saks in Philadelphia and began a career that won the respect of designers, co-workers and clients for his fashion know-how.

Until he was diagnosed with cancer eight months ago, he was working full-time, traveling to Manhattan by train twice a week.

Born and reared in South Philadelphia, Thomas got an early nickname, as most South Philly kids do. His was "Chubby."

He was active in charitable organizations, including the Breast Cancer Foundation, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, and the American Cancer Society.

"He never thought twice when asked to contribute resources and manpower to fundraising events and fashion shows," his family said.

Thomas enjoyed taking the grandkids to Stone Harbor, N.J.

Besides his wife, he is survived by a son, Todd; a daughter, Heather, and five grandchildren.

Services: Funeral Mass 10:30 a.m. today at St. Pius X Church, 220 Lawrence Road, Broomall. Friends may call at 8 a.m. at the Robert L. D'Anjolell Memorial Home, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1615 West Chester Pike, Suite 102, West Chester, PA 19382. *