Passed peacefully away following heart surgery at the Health Sciences Center on Monday, July 18, 2016 at the age of 77. Son of the late Nicholas and Ann Rossiter, predeceased by sisters Lucy, Jean, Rose, Ruth and Mary, brothers Leonard, Patrick and Nicky, special brother-in-law Tom Pretty. He was the loving, devoted and proud father of Lynn (Daryl), Lori (Mike), Michael (Lauren), and Lucy (Andrew), proud grandad to Caitlin, Amelia, Daniel, Keagan, Emma, Sophie, Stella, Patrick, and Hugh, most recently great-grandad to Isabella and Isla, and former husband to Bridget. Leaving to mourn, his devoted partner Sharon and her children Julie (Brent) and Mark (Debbie) and their children Coale, Owen, Quinn, and Isla. He was a caring and beloved uncle, cousin and friend to many, especially lifelong friend Dave. Tom completed his Bachelor of Philosophy followed by a Masters Degree in English, both at the University of Ottawa. He was a writer, a scholar of philosophy, language, folklore and history, but above all, an educator who mentored and taught many. He was a teacher for many years in St. John's and principal of MCHS in Marystown from 1973-1982. He finished his formal career as the English consultant of the RC School Board in St. John's, was the author of numerous high school English textbooks, and, in his later years, devoted himself to writing, publishing many humorous stories, historical essays, a local sports biography and, most recently, a collection of Nfld folklore (yet to be published). He loved music and poetry, had an endless passion for hockey, both as a player and coach and found immense joy among his "bridge crowd", Ed, Tom, Kevin and the infamous "Lil the Thrill". We would like to thank Dr. Wang along with the nurses and surgical team at the Health Sciences Centre for their excellent care. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 22 at 4 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 1, 76 Blackmarsh Rd, followed by a traditional Irish Wake, also at the Legion. Donations in his memory can be made to the Literary Arts Foundation, Newfoundland and Labrador (literaryartsnl.com) or the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada (childrenswish.ca).