He was a 1949 graduate of Batavia High School, graduate of Buffalo State Technical School and Tri-State College in Angola, Indiana. Tom served with the United States Army in the Korean War Conflict as a Field Radio Mechanic in Germany from November 16, 1953 to November 15, 1955, as well as an Army Reservist for 8 years. He was employed at Ebling Electric in the TV repair department for many years. He worked at GTE Sylvania in Batavia for 25 years as an Engineer Technical Foreman. After retiring from Sylvania, he was employed at Gershe Electric as a Sales Representative, then at Genesee Community College in the Media Department as a TV Production Media Technician until his final retirement. Tom was also a video recording cameraman at Batavia Downs for 25 years. As a lifelong proud Batavian, he had many interests and was greatly involved in community and religious organizations. Tom was a member of Genesee Radio Amateurs (GRAM), being an Amateur Ham Radio Operator since 1951; his call letters were W2GIR. He held a FCC advanced class license and a 1st class radio telegraph license. He belonged to the Batavia Lions Club for 20 years, awarded perfect attendance and Lion of the Year. He was a member of Antique Wireless Association, Cablevision Advisory Board, and was a lifetime member of St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, where he was a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. He belonged to the St. Nicholas, Men’s Holy Name and St. Loretta Societies, and was one of the St. Joseph Day Table founders. He served as the program chairman for all of these groups, with many years of enjoyed and informative programs for its members. He was a part of a hot air balloon crew for several years and played in the YMCA Men’s Tennis League. He led a very active and rewarding life; his precious family and friends meant the world to him. Getting together for family gatherings was most special to him.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Rosalie (LoCastro) Rosica; his loving children Thomas C. Rosica, MaryAnn (Joseph) Raphael, Victoria (Daniel) Jacques, most precious grandchildren, Jenna, Jared & Andrea Raphael, Megan & Marissa Jacques; sister-in-law Pearl Lovria and brother-in-law Frank LoCastro.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to all the extraordinary staff at the NYS Veterans Home for the wonderful, loving care Tom received while residing there. Their daily compassion and kindness will never be forgotten.
There are no prior calling hours. Please join the Rosica family for a Mass of Christian Burial 12:30 PM on Friday, March 23, 2018 at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family for distribution to local charities. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.
