John S. Ostrowski

Deb, just heard today of John's death and wanted to send my sympathy and say that our years together at Aquinas were some of the best years of my teaching career. I enjoyed our department meetings and social gatherings and have always held John and you in my heart as two loving and thoughtful forces. I pray that your memories of John and the great effect he had on so many people might sustain you in the years ahead. God Bless.

Father Ostrowski was a huge inspiration to me as a young man during his service at St. James Parish. His example of a truly Godly parish priest was a strong impetus to me to enter the seminary. While my life took a different path, Father Ostrowski's style of servant leadership still left a deep impression on my approach to a career in public service. He was a man who listened and cared in the most genuine ways. His personality was so warm and uplifting--he reflected the Lord's Light with endearing words of encouragement and harmony. He was an early role model in my life of a what a true man of faith is all about.

Sorry to hear of johns passing. Our families are growing up so quickly we have lost contact with one another. We were asked by a friend if we were related to John Osttowski and this was our first notice of his passing.

My memory floods with the great, kind, caring, laughable thoughts and guidance from a genuine person. The things he taught me, and I taught him. His lovely wife, whom he cherished, was the perfect match for him. Being a teacher, not just of studies but for life lessons. Always open minded and honest. A smile that was unmatched. You saw life and love in his eyes and smile.
One of my most prized possessions that I love was given to me by him.
I still look at the cross he gave me everyday and smile and reflect.
The chance he was my teacher and his wife rode the same bus my father took to work, the Lord knew we needed to be in each others lives.
He will be missed but all of us have had our lives enriched by just knowing him. And knowing we have another angel waiting for us. Deepest condolences and prayers of strength.

Mr. O was a great teacher. You will be missed, my friend. RIP

John was a wonderful friend and tremendous educator. We loved him as our friend and he was superb with both our daughters in the gifted program at Hazelwood West. He leaves a legacy of great impact behind that is an honor to all of you and to his memory. Loving and praying for all of you, Ken and Jo Ludwig (St Ferdinand and Hazelwood West)

Mr. O was my SAIL teacher at West Jr/Sr high. He wasn’t just my teacher, though. He was the smiling, friendly face at the top of the stairs when I’d arrive at Junior High each day. He was a listening ear when I needed to vent about school drama. He would counsel me when I was upset about not getting the grades I wanted. He pushed me to try new things, like speech/debate and theater. He assured me even though I was shy, awkward, and lacked confidence that I was truly brilliant. When I told him I wanted to be an Orthopedic Surgeon when I grew up he signed me and a few other students up for a Medical conference as a special field trip just for us. When I was in high school and contemplating my life he always made time to talk things through with me. I know I wasn’t the only one that he made feel special and cared for. However, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today with out having him at such a fragile and pivotal time in my life. He inspired me to become a Gifted Educator myself. I now have the privilege to work with gifted students in middle school and high school. I truly hope I make my students feel special, loved and that I am their biggest fan just like Mr. O made me feel. He will be missed, and my condolences go out to all his family and friends (especially Marc). Just know that I’ve been honoring his legacy and will continue to do so! I am so thankful I had the opportunity to talk to him on the phone before one of my first interviews for a Gifted Ed position, because I was able to tell him how much he inspired me. R.I.P. Mr. O!

I knew him as "Mr. O" from his instruction of the SAIL program at Hazelwood West when I was in junior high. He was a delightful teacher with a great sense of humor.

My deepest condolences.

Mr. Ostrowski lead our eldest son through the Hazelwood West Middle School SAIL program. Upon meeting him at a student teacher conference, he demonstrated with a quiet confidence and keen intellect how and where he would lead his gifted charges.
Our son’s middle school years were graced by the footprint of the gifted teacher, Mr. Ostrowski.
When we asked him about our son continuing on to high school, “he answered, “A student can get an excellent education here.” He was a champion for his school district.
So glad to have known you, Mr. Ostrowski. To your family, we send our deepest sympathies.

Deb, I was so sorry to hear about your loss of John, after so many wonderful years together. May your family offer you strength in the days to come.

Deb, Marc, and family,
John was an incredibly bright light in this world who so positively influenced the lives of a countless many!
Smile now as you hear his whispers in your thoughts and words, as his spirit lives on through you.
May God's gentle touch and love bring you peace as you heal and renew, and embrace the great memories of John.
Peace.

Deb...so shocked and sorry to read of John's passing! What a wonderful human being he was! Together you made the most incredibly loving and beautiful couple who knew how to have fun! Sending love, from across the miles, to you and your family...

Remembering Fr. John with fondness from my days at St. Thomas Aquinas. Some teachers you just never forget.

So sorry to hear this sad news, Deb. I remember you telling the sweet story of your romance. Much love and my condolences to you and yours.

Deb, so sorry to learn of John's passing. Thinking of both of you and those great days at Aquinas High School. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

My deepest sympathy to the family.
Like many I met father John at Saint Thomas Aquinas. Father John married Cathy and me in December 1975 Halfway through our senior year. We attended his parish And he baptized our daughter Kari in1976. A few years went by and we lost track of one another But when I Became a member of the Hazelwood school board I had discovered He started a new journey to better Fulfill his life. Our paths only crossed once and I was fortunate to meet Deborah And have a brief conversation with John.
I will always cherish Everything he did For me as a young man, To become the man I am today. farewell my friend until we meet again.

John was a kind soul. He and Debbie go back to my Grade School Days at St. Williams in Woodson Terrace, MO. I had both John and Debbie as Teachers there.
Then, Father O. followed me to St. Thomas Aquinas. It was a Bonus for me.
God's Grace and Blessings be with you Debbie, and your family.

I like many was a student of Fr. Ostrowski at Aquinas. He had an impact on my life because of his sincere caring for his students. We were at an age where we were at an important point in our lives and it was wonderful to see a man of strength and gentleness who lead by example. Thank you John and my prayers will be with your family.

Debbie, so sorry to learn of your great loss of John. Love and prayers, Nancy

50 years ago John was my wise, supportive, and gentle department chair at Aquinas. Then he became my wise, supportive, and gentle friend and adopted Uncle to DeLane and my daughters. What a friend we have in Jesus. What a friend we had in John. I know he will say hello to Jesus for all of us. Our personal saint in heaven.

My sincere condolences to all of John’s family who were wonderful friends so many years ago. May all your loving memories keep John close to your hearts and support you in this difficult time. God bless.

We’ll truly miss John in our lives. So kind and caring and always the calming voice of reason in our family! His hugs made everyone feel welcome and special! We are saddened at the loss of him but our memories of him will forever be in our hearts.

Oh such a kind and funny man. I remember Fr. Ostrowski so well from my time at St. Thomas Aquinas HS. Our Life and Leadership meetings were so impactful for me. I also remember how happy we were when we found out years later that he and Ms. Bequette had gotten married. It was the stuff of storybooks! The support and love you shared with us throughout high school was incredible and I feel so blessed to have been a part of it. I also had the great joy of connecting many years later in our subdivision, realizing that we both lived there and had children of similar ages. I know John battled a long time and although I know he will be immensely missed by his family I have no doubt he is now at peace and maybe playing a few games of tennis! Many prayers for all of you.

Uncle John was a pillar of strength and wisdom in our family. He was patient, kind, and caring and he will be deeply missed. Sending all my love to you as you weather this tremendous loss.

We were saddened to hear of your loss. May his memory be a blessing. We send our love.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. We met John over 50 years ago. He witnessed our wedding. We are forever grateful for his friendship. We also served with him through SVDP. His presence will be miss. Prayers for strength and courage for the family. Peace

We will miss Uncle John with all our hearts. He was a beacon in our family and our family reunion will not be the same. We will carry on his traditions for sure!

My deepest sympathy. John was a really great guy.