The businessman died Thursday at Ochsner Medical Center, Saints officials said on Twitter. His wife, Gayle Benson, was at his side.
Born and raised in the 7th Ward of New Orleans, Tom Benson was truly a self-made man.
A graduate of St. Aloysius High School and Loyola University, Benson served in the U.S. Navy before starting work as a car salesman.
From humble beginnings in the business community, he built an empire, eventually owning and operating several automobile dealerships in Louisiana and Texas.