THOMAS WOODROW ROSE's Obituary
Thomas Woodrow Rose Jr. Obituary
Thomas Woodrow Rose Jr. was born January 18th, 1942. During his early years, Tom grew up in a large family, as one of 9 siblings. His father was a dairy farmer and was contracted to work various farms throughout Loudoun and Fauquier Counties. It was during this time that his parents, Thomas and Esther instilled upon him the value of a hard day’s work and the importance of family. Tom graduated from Loudoun County High School in 1961, where he met his wife, Mary Frances Rose. They were married on June 22nd, 1962, and had two children of their own, Michael and Michele.
Tom entered his career after high school, starting out working as a lineman for what is now Dominion Energy. As an extremely hard worker and natural born leader, he rose through the ranks quickly, and soon took a management position with CW Wright. This position took his family all throughout the mid-Atlantic and is where he truly developed a mastery of utility construction and infrastructure. In 1985, Tom decided to venture out on his own, and along with his brothers Don and John-Michael, took control of LEO Construction. Through his leadership, Tom propelled LEO to a major player in the underground utility construction scene of Northern Virginia, in which he was still involved until his last few years.
Throughout the years Tom has enjoyed many passions outside of his career. As an athlete and lifelong Washington sports fan, Tom loved sports, and would religiously attend the sporting events of both his children and grandsons. Tom also treasured spending time with his beloved dog Winter. He loved drinking coffee, horses, listening to music, and conversing with anyone and everyone. Tom prioritized his family over all other things and loved spending time with his family at his favorite place on earth, Duck, North Carolina. He loved his grandsons dearly and was a popular figure amongst all of their friends, donning the title of “everybody’s Grandpa”.
But perhaps Tom’s biggest passion was his caring for others. The vast ripple effects made through the many lives he has touched and positively influenced, will continue to create positive changes in this world for decades to come.
In December of 2022, Tom was diagnosed with and aggressive form of brain cancer. Tom fought his battle with cancer the same way he lived his life – on his own terms, with a full heart, surrounded by those that loved him most. On December 21st, 2022, Tom found eternal peace as he moved onto heaven, where he was finally reunited with his lovely wife.
He is predeceased by his parents (Thomas Woodrow Rose Sr. and Esther Neff Rose), wife (Mary Frances Rose) granddaughter (Jordan Elizabeth Rose), and his siblings (Donald Neff Rose Sr, Dora Lee Hardy, Debra Lou Fogle, and Helen Jean Stevens).
Tom is survived by his son (Michael David Rose), daughter (Michele Dawn Rose), Grandsons (Seth Thomas Rose and Spencer Michael Rose), and his siblings (Pendred Allen Rose, Sherry Ruth Garrison, John Michael Rose, and Pamela Kay Gaul). He is also survived by his daughter-in-law (Kathi Marie Rose), granddaughter-in-law (Virginia Moore Rose), sister-in-law (Sally Beaver) and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive visitors at the Loudoun Funeral Chapel, 158 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, VA on Friday, January 6th, 2023, from 6 to 8 pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 7th, 2023, 10:00 am at Leesburg Baptist Community Church, 835 Lee Avenue, Leesburg, VA. Interment will follow in Ivy Hill Cemetery in Upperville, VA.
Memorials may be sent to the Loudoun Food Bank and the SPCA.
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