Obituary of Thomas J. Bostick

ROCHESTER, NY – April 13, 2023 Son. Brother. Soldier. Hero. Husband. Father. Grandpa. Papa. Patriarch. Angel. Thomas J. Bostick was born in Laurinburgh, NC on December 20, 1923, to Sherman and Mary Parker Bostick. He was the youngest of seven (7) boys and one (1) girl. In February of 1943, he was drafted into the US Army where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and earned a Bronze star medal, among other awards, for his service in the South Pacific during WWII. After his discharge, he returned to Burlington, NC where he eventually met Nellie Lee Johnson. They married on March 3, 1947, and moved to Rochester NY. From their union, three (3) loving daughters were born - Sheila, Debra and Victoria – the “Bostick girls.” Thomas worked at Bausch & Lomb for 36 years, retiring as a team leader at age 65. He was a hardworking husband and father and instilled this value in his girls. Thomas loved his country and was proud of his service in the Army. He was instrumental, along with Vern Warfield and David Greene, in revitalizing the Pennington-Moye VFW Post #9251. Home of the Buffalo Soldiers. He served three (3) terms as Post Commander. In 2019, after a Soaring Valor trip to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, museum curators asked him to become part of the exhibit and share his experiences as a black soldier in a segregated army. His video entry is a permanent part of the museum. Thomas enjoyed all sports, especially boxing and watching Serena Williams play tennis. He enjoyed traveling. The Superbowl train rides he and Nellie took with their best friends Sis and Buddy were legendary. No tickets, just tailgates and lots of laughs. Thomas especially enjoyed his jazz music. You could always find him in his same spot, the site of the old Pythodd Room, during Clarissa St. Reunion weekend, enjoying live jazz. He loved his music. Most of all, Thomas J. Bostick loved his family. During holiday celebrations, he would sit at the head of the table, watch over his family and just smile. And make certain that the kids were served first. Suddenly on April 13, 2023, Thomas J. Bostick passed away at age 99. Predeceased by his parents Sherman and Mary Parker Bostick, Brothers Cassie (Hattie), Robert, Elvin (Bessie), Samuel (Miriam), William Hunter (Bea), Eddie (Bea) and Sister Rebecca; Grandson Derrick Burroughs, and Great-Grandson Keenen Green. Thomas Bostick is survived by his wife of 76 years, Nellie L. Bostick. His daughters Sheila Clements, Debra Bostick-Graves and Victoria (James Smith) Butler. He and his memory will be forever cherished by his Grandchildren, Shelly (Dale Walker) Clements, Preston (Cassandra) Clements, Natasha Tyler, Damon Butler, Toby (Kris) Butler and Bryan (Nicola) Burroughs. His Great Grandchildren CaTyra, Thomas, Rasheed, Preston, Kayla, Charley, Zari, Tenesha, Marlon, Marvisha, Lamar, Dayna, Jayzime, Kaylana, Irelle and a host of Great-Great Grandchildren. His nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Special cousins Yvonne Allen and family, Patricia Sharp and family and Merline (Gordon) Gall and family and Special “Son” Curtis Kendrick. Friends may call Monday, April 24 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon at St. Monica's Church, 34 Monica Street, Rochester, NY. The Funeral Service to Celebrate his life will immediately follow. Entombment White Haven Memorial Park, Pittsford, NY. Masks are required. Services will also be livestreamed at www.stmonicaofrochester.org.