Thomas Robert Rostan

Tom was born Feb. 6, 1946, in Youngstown, Ohio. Tom was raised in Girard, Ohio by his loving parents, Kathryn Marie Fleming Rostan and Frank Raymond Rostan. He has been a longtime resident of Largo, Fla., with his wife, Angelita.

Tom, known as "The Captain," - a nickname he earned due to his many years on and under the sea as a U.S. Navy Submariner and a 30-year career as a Merchant Marine Captain- was larger than life. With his towering stature and booming voice, he could often be heard telling tales of his days as a sailor. Tom was the life of the party. If he wasn't yet at a gathering, everyone asked, "Where's The Captain?" Tom, like many sailors, always had a tale to tell, including being raided by pirates, weathering typhoons, and subduing mutinies. He loved sailing, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle (calling himself a "Lone Wolf" style rider), and had a deep passion for cooking, where he gathered his family and friends to share many epicurean dishes. As a young man, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout, an accomplishment he was proud of his entire life. Throughout his 50 years on the sea, he traveled the world over many times. He loved history, and would answer in precise detail any question related to a wide range of historical topics. He also loved science fiction literature, hunting, and going to the shooting range with close friends.

Tom is dearly loved and missed by his family and friends. He was the eldest of eight children and devoted all of his affections to his wife of 19 years, children, siblings, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his wife, Angelita Rostan; his son, Terrence Patrick "Butch" (Teresa) Rostan; his daughter, Maureen (Michael) Domery; as well as their children, Molly Elizabeth and Marc Evan; his daughter, Catherine Marie (Seth) Rostan Arruda; and six of his siblings, Frank (Susie) Rostan, Mary Margaret Rostan, Nancy (Joseph) Koren, William (Candice) Rostan, Robert (Nancy) Rostan and Richard (Jodi) Rostan. Tom's brother, Donald is no longer with us but is survived by his wife, Annette. Tom is also survived by 14 nieces and nephews; as well as 15 great-nieces and -nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Kathryn Rostan.

The celebration of Tom's life will commence 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019, with visitation at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 7851 54th Ave. N, St. Petersburg, Fla. 33709, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Tom will be laid to rest at Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg, Fla.

A celebration of life gathering will be 2 p.m. Dec. 12, at the American Legion Hall, Post 273, 600 American Legion Drive, Madeira Beach, FL 33708.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests material contributions be made, in Tom's name, to the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202, 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383).