Sam is survived by his wife of 40 years, Dena Rostum; daughter Ahfeza (Nick) Ellison; daughter Azeza (Sean) Tessereau; and daughter Shareen (Joe) Phillips; grandson Preston Ocello, granddaughter Leona Ellison and grandson Maxwell Tessereau. He was preceded in death by; father Mohamed Rostam Motawakel, mother Zahra Motawakel and several brothers and sisters.
Sam came to America on a full scholarship to attend Parks College in his twenties. After attending Parks College he went home to Afghanistan to fulfill his military obligation. Later he came back to America and began studies at Washington University in Saint Louis where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. He worked as a consultant throughout his career and taught for Saint Louis Public Schools in the Technical and Vocational Program. In time he met Dena at a Baptist Singles Group and the rest is history.
Sam was a man of many talents and interests. Aside from all his technical interests, Sam enjoyed reading and writing poetry, he enjoyed painting and was constantly journaling. His pride and joy was his family especially his daughters and his grandchildren.
A visitation for Sam will be held Monday, June 4, 2018 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hoffmeister South County Chapel, 1515 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63125. A second visitation will occur Tuesday, June 5, 2018 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, in the funeral home chapel. The funeral service will follow the second visitation at 1:30 PM. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery.
Contributions honoring Sam may be made to a college fund being established for his grandson Preston Ocello. Contributions should be made out to Dena Rostum College Fund c/o Bank of America, 10230 Watson Rd., Sunset Hills MO 63127.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HoffmeisterSouthCounty.com for the Rostum family.
