Thomas Stetson Rose

Thomas Stetson Rose, 80, of Springboro, Ohio, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born on July 31, 1946, in Oakland, California, Tom was the son of T. Harrold and Winifred Rose. He grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, attended Tennessee Tech, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and proudly served his country as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, including time in Vietnam during the war. He devoted his entire career to General Motors/Delphi and spent his life building a family, supporting his children and grandchildren at countless events, and always lending a helping hand to a friend or neighbor in need.

On September 13, 1975, he married the love of his life, Jaci. Together, they shared 50 years of marriage and built a life filled with family, many beach vacations, and special traditions shared with family and friends.

To his children, Tom was a mentor, confidant, biggest cheerleader and coach—and the first call whenever something needed to be repaired. But perhaps his favorite title of all was Grandpa, or Papa. He adored his grandchildren and took great pride in attending their swim meets, lacrosse games, dance competitions, hockey games, school events, and cheerleading events. To his grandchildren, he was funny, silly, happy, adventurous, and the best hiking-stick finder. Whenever he knew they were coming to his home, he could often be found sitting on the porch with his two dogs, Lola and Remi, ready to greet them.

Outside of his family, Tom enjoyed many hobbies and interests. He could often be found volunteering at the Wright B. Flyer Museum and with the Delphi Salaried Retirees Association, watching Bengals, Reds or Dayton Flyers basketball games, golfing with friends, swimming with his family and dogs, or tinkering with something around the house. An engineer by trade and a former private pilot, he was continually interested in cars and aviation. He will be remembered for his genuine smile, boisterous laugh, strong work ethic, willingness to help anyone at the drop of a hat, and his ability to never meet a stranger.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jaci Rose; his children, Jim (Cyndi) Bodner, Laura (Darren) Elking, and Greg (Amy) Rose; his grandchildren, Cayla (Patrick Rafter) and JT Bodner, Audrey and Claire Elking, and Will and Ava Rose; his brother, Dan Rose; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Janet and Rob Reul; and many extended family members and friends who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Mark Rose, and other loved ones.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 13 from 1pm – 4pm at Sycamore Creek Country Club in Springboro, OH. The gathering will be an open house, with loved ones sharing memories from 2-2:30pm, to celebrate Tom’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Wright B. Flyer Museum in Tom’s memory. (Checks: Wright B Flyer, Inc., 10550 Springboro Pike, Miamisburg, OH 45342)

Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort knowing that his love, lessons, stories, laughter, and the countless memories he created will live on in the people he loved most.