Thomas P Rahner

St. Augustine theater arts icon, Thomas P. Rahner, son of F. Victor Rahner Sr. and Clara Sellars, passed away on Dec. 21, 2024, at the age of 89. Tom graduated from St. Joseph Academy and the University of Florida. After college, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany, where he married Jean Pelicone, his lifelong companion, then returned to St. Augustine to pursue his life's work and raise a family.
As a teen, Tom performed a one-man marionette show featuring puppets of his own design. Upon returning to the States, he became instrumental in the establishment of the historical drama "Cross and Sword" as the Florida State Play. He managed the Amphitheatre, played lead roles, and became Director in 1968, supporting the play in various capacities throughout its 30+ year run.
In 1968, Tom became an original faculty member of Flagler College, where he served for more than 30 years positively impacting many lives. In 1971, he established the Flagler Theater Arts Program. In 1975, he designed and oversaw the construction of the college's first theater and, in 1991, he assisted with the design of Lewis Auditorium.
Tom frequently portrayed Pedro Menendez, including as Master of Ceremonies at St. Augustine's 400th Anniversary. In later life, Tom frequently portrayed Henry Flagler, including in a self-authored one man play. In 2019, the City of St. Augustine honored Tom and Jean for their extensive contributions to local performing arts and education by inducting them into the Order of La Florida.
Always creative and constructive, Tom's hobbies included set design, antique auto restoration, woodworking, and model building. His historically accurate nautical models were recently featured in a Lightner Museum exhibit.
Tom is survived by his wife Jean of 65 years, daughter Laura Olsen (Jim), son Philip (Abby), granddaughters Diana Olsen, Maggie Smith, Ashley Spears, and Lindsey Augustine, and great grandsons Leo Spears, Slater Augustine, Sawyer Smith, and Nolan Smith. An informal gathering to honor Tom's life will be held on January 11th from 2 to 4 pm at the Flagler College Dining Hall.