Eric A. Ostman

Eric A. Ostman (Os) passed into eternal rest with his family by his side at Masonicare on September 30th in Newtown, Connecticut at the age of 89.Eric was born on October 4, 1926 in Brooklyn, New York to Anton E. & Irma (Santeson) Ostman. He is survived by his loving daughters; Diane Zavaglio and her husband Michael Zavaglio of Monroe and Dona Jean Wassell of Monroe; his cherished grandchildren; Michael Jr. & Kara Zavaglio of Monroe, and Kristin & Jack Wassell of Monroe, along with several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death his devoted wife of 66 years, Dorothy K. (Krause) Ostman, and by his Sister, Beverly (Ostman) Brothers. Eric’s family soon moved to the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, where he then joined the US Navy at age 17 during WWII after a failed attempt at the age 16. He first served aboard the USS Rankin (AKA-103), and then was temporarily transferred to the USS Twiggs (DD-591), where his ship was sunk on June 16, 1945 by a Kamikaze while serving picket duty off the coast of Okinawa. Eric was returned to the USS Rankin where he served upon for the remainder of the war. He was honorably discharged on June 7, 1946 as Seamen, First Class. Eric worked for a short time at Chance Vought in Stratford before he began his 35 year-long career at the Southern New England Telephone Company, where he worked his way up from a lineman to a Line Foreman. Upon his retirement in 1987, Eric enjoyed golfing, traveling, and his cherished grandchildren. Eric was also passionate about his service to his country, where he served 3 terms as the Commander of the VFW Post Post 9427 from 1990 – 1992, and 1996 – 1997. Eric was also a life member and past President of the Swedish Athletic Club. He was also an active member of the Shiners’ International, Tin Can Sailors, Masonic Fidelity-St. John’s Lodge No.3, AT&T Pioneers Club, Scottish Rite Freemasonry, the S.R.A. Eris also enjoyed his time playing Pinochle with all his friends at the Swedish Club. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday October 4th at 10:00 am St. Stephen’s Church, 6948 Main St, Trumbull. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Eric’s life. Calling hours will be held at Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home 315 Monroe Turnpike Monroe today Monday October 3rd from 4pm to 8pm. Burial at Mountain Grove Cemetery will be private. A Military Service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday at 9:30 am prior to leaving for church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Hospice Organization at http://hospicenet.org/html/donate.html. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Masonicare and Hospice for their unprecedented care and dedication. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.spadaccinofuneralhome.com