Thomas Harold Rosewall

Thomas Harold Rosewall, Jr., 95, died at home of natural causes on Sunday, January 22, 2023, in the presence of family.

Tom was born in Watsonville to Thomas H. and Elizabeth Rosewall, and except for his college years, he lived in Watsonville his entire life. After graduating from Watsonville High School, he attended Santa Clara University, earning a bachelor's degree in Political Science and taking pre-law courses before deciding to return to his hometown and the family construction business. Under the leadership of Tom and his brother, James, Rosewall & Sons, Inc., built homes, businesses, and government buildings throughout the Pajaro Valley and beyond, including the former Watsonville City Hall, buildings at Watsonville High and other area schools, Ford's Department Store, and many buildings for the city's agriculture industry.

In 1950, Tom married his high school sweetheart, Virginia, and built a home for his bride on the family property. There, Tom and Virginia raised four children and played host to numerous grandchildren. Tom was something of an amateur farmer. Over the years, at various times, one could find chickens, goats, sheep, rabbits, pigeons, and even a burro in the pens and pastures behind the house. Tom also maintained a small orchard of fruit trees and an extensive vegetable garden, and he partnered with his wife to create a showcase flower garden, with Tom specializing in roses.

Although his life revolved around his work and his family, Tom and Virginia led an active social life, particularly with a group of friends who met frequently for bridge games. The two also traveled extensively. San Francisco was a regular destination, where they indulged in their love of good food and the arts, particularly music. Once their children were grown, Tom and Virginia took extended trips to Italy, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Germany, Costa Rica, the British Isles, the Caribbean, and France. These trips were enriched by Tom's deep interest in world history and politics. Tom also loved sports and was a lifelong fan of the Giants and, especially, the 49ers, and Virginia would often accompany him to the games. Through it all, Tom and Virginia were constant and loving companions for 68 years of marriage.

Tom is survived by four children: Elizabeth (Edinger), Tom, Paul, and John; by his son-in-law Ronald Edinger and his daughters-in-law Birgit Rosewall, Linda A. Rosewall, and Beth Wagner; by his grandchildren Emily Rosewall, Eric Rosewall, Robert Edinger, John Edinger, and Anne-Alyce Radlo; by Eric's wife, Maddelyn High, Anne-Alyce's husband, Graeme Radlo, and Emily's husband, Keir Scott. Tom was thrilled by the recent birth of his first great-grandchild, Jackson Thomas Radlo. The family would like to extend a very special thanks to Tom's tireless and devoted caregivers, Isabel Valdez and Bertha Valdez.

Tom was celebrated by his family in a private religious service. As a devout Catholic, Tom was an active parishioner at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Watsonville, and the family asks that those who so desire make a donation to the parish in his memory.

Mehl's Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Published in The Pajaronian · February 10, 2023