B. Thomas “Tom” Ostrom, age 89 of Willoughby, passed away May 20th, 2023 at Willoughby Skilled Nursing. He was born December 3rd, 1933 in Cleveland to the late Burt and Margaret Ostrom.
Tom had a career in IT at Erie Railroad, Cleveland, Graphite Bronze, Reliance Electric and Eaton Corporation.
Tom was a U.S. Army, Spec. 4, Stationed at Ft. Knox, KY; Ft. Belvoir, VA; Ft. Lewis, WA, and Toul, France.
Tom was a proud graduate of Saint Ignatius High School and received his bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University.
Tom was an avid fan of sports at all levels, from youth league to professional. He especially rooted for the Cleveland Indians, Browns and Cavaliers, plus Ohio State and Notre Dame. He was a board member of the original Big Brother of Lake County, and the Wahoo Club.
Tom was an actor, singer and published amateur poet. He appeared in many community theatre productions in Lake County and Euclid. His favorite roles were Marley’s Ghost in “A Christmas Carol;” President Roosevelt in “Annie;” Mayor of Dogpatch in “Li’l Abner;” and the Rabbi in “Fiddler on the Roof.” Tom also helped to bring professional baseball to Lake County. Had tryouts with the old Washington senators and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Tom is the loving father of Michael (Debra) Ostrom of Tucson, AZ, Stephen Ostrom of Mentor, Jennifer Dodd of Willoughby and Jill (Raymond) Dickerson of Willoughby; dearest grandfather of Vincent, Timothy and Melissa Ostrom, Samantha, Alexandra and Nathaniel Dodd, Matthew, Taylor, Michelle and Joshua Dickerson; great grandfather of six; beloved brother of John Ostrom, Margaret (John) Sapara and the late Mary Therese Maiers, Kathryn Becks, Theodore, William (Frances), Robert and Richard Ostrom; uncle of many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 – 10:00 AM Saturday, May 27th at Immaculate Conception Church, 37932 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. A Memorial Mass will follow at 10:00 AM Saturday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, suggest contributions to: Covenant House – Donation Processing, P.O. Box 96393, Washington, D.C. 20077-7114. The Covenant House is a safe haven for homeless and at-risk youth. https://www.covenanthouse.org/
“If anyone at my funeral has a long face, I’ll never speak to you again.” – Stan Laurel
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jeff Monreal Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1000 Mentor Ave., Painesville.
Reader interactions
2 Replies to “B. Thomas “Tom” Ostrom”
I was Tom’s paper boy back in the late 70s, early 80s. He was my favorite customer, even though I was a kid, he spoke to me on an adult level.
Always humble, never condescending, and always genuine. There should be a class in school that teaches children to be like him, then this world would be a better place.
Paul,
A heartfelt thanks from the family for sharing those memories from 40+ years ago. It’s amazing that you remembered him and took the time to send a note. We all have read it and it brought us such joy.
Thank you,
Mike Ostrom (son)
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