Roy Thomas "Tom" Ossman

Roy Thomas “Tom” Ossman, age 72, a resident of Huntington Woods since 1981, formerly of Pleasant Ridge, passed away July 13, 2015 at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. He was born December 21, 1942 in Detroit to the late Roy Merrill and Louise Geraldine Ossman. Tom earned his MBA at Michigan State University and was just short a doctoral thesis for his PhD in Industrial Psychology. He was also a graduate assistant while completing his degrees and still found time for fraternity activities and a term of presidency with Sigma Alpha Epsilon. After graduation, Tom went to work at Michigan Bell as a special elect for the IMPD (Initial Management Development Program). Throughout his career with the phone company, he was a successful troubleshooter and problem solver. He made things happen. He was a steadfast employee who remained loyal even through all the company transitions of Michigan Bell to AT&T to Ameritech and, finally, in collaboration with IBM. An extremely talented individual, Tom could build anything ranging from a simple child’s toy to a complex new addition on his home. Not only was he talented, but he also knew how to have fun. Not just with his own kids and grandkids, but with the kids in the neighborhood too. They always knew Tom would have a new magic trick or game to play or be available to take them for ice cream on annual block parties. Tom also had other hobbies including, collecting antique toys, restoring prewar Lionel and American Flyer trains, playing the piano, traveling, writing and inventing. He was an advocate for the arts and an artist himself. Many friends looked forward to his colored pencil and marker drawings at Christmas time with a special Christmas wish that he wrote himself. Despite his many talents and interests, his first priority and devotion was to his family. Family was the most important part of his life. Rearing his son and daughter was a joy that he took very seriously. He was a mentor for many junior high and high school boys who apprenticed with him over the years on various projects. Welcoming their help, he was also eager and willing to teach them everything he knew about so many things. He was the beloved husband of Dessa Ann (Stepanovich); the couple married September 10, 1967 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; loving father of Mark Thomas (Amye) Ossman and Jeremi Lynn (Lawson Tate) Ossman; proud grandfather of Brady Ossman, Brennan Ossman, Vann Tate and Sterling Tate; dear brother of Geraldine Louise Ossman; brother-in-law to Melanie Stepanovich; uncle of Nicole Cuva, Christopher Gradwohl and Louise Gradwohl; and great uncle to Austin Cuva. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials very appreciated to: gifts.mdanderson.org/ for cancer research ~ or ~ Revitalization of the fraternity house at Michigan State University Phone – 847.513.2378 – Jason Andrick, SAE Foundation Online – www.sae.net/donate Designation: Other with comment "MIGA CAF” Mail – payable to Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation, 1856 Sheridan Rd, Evanston, IL 60201 – check remittance “MIGA CAF”

Roy Thomas "Tom" Ossman

December 21, 1942 - July 13, 2015