John Leon Ostrowski

John Leon Ostrowski was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 2, 1927, to his parents Edward J. and (Anastasia) Stella Lilla Ostrowski. John was the second of four boys.  Upon graduating from St. Thomas Academy, MN, in June of 1945, he enlisted in the United States Navy serving at the end of World War II. He returned to Minneapolis and started his photography studio “Leon Studios” after his Honorable Discharge. John moved to San Francisco in 1950 at the urging of his brother Ed to open another photography studio.  There he met the love of his life, Marie Claire Martineau, a nurse who just happened to be from Minnesota. They were married on April 18, 1953 for 53 years, until her passing in October of 2006.

John Ostrowski was a man that lived with a strong faith in God.  He recognized the beauty of Gods’ creation in everything and everybody.  He lived his faith and passed it on to his children and to those he met.  He enjoyed sharing special words of wisdom, including his favorite: “Life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved.”

John was an entrepreneur and enjoyed working at the many businesses he built and careers he chose. After working in photography, John became interested in Real Estate and became a Licensed Real Estate Broker, eventually starting Ostrowski and Associates in Saratoga, CA.  His real estate business needed printed materials, so he bought a printing press and developed a thriving side business.  He had a natural talent for graphic design and print production which he combined with his photography skills.  He achieved many successes in his printing business, including producing beautiful labels for local and national companies.

John had many hobbies and interests. He enjoyed converting three large buses into motor homes. He enjoyed traveling in these coaches with his family and was able to tour the USA, Canada and Mexico with Clarie in their retirement years.  Claire and John also decided to take up sailing on San Franscico Bay in their retirement. He was also a private pilot and enjoyed seeing the beauty of the earth from the sky.  He had a lifelong passion for photography and was amazed to see how a camera is now a part of everyone’s phone.  Living 97 years has its advantages!

John is survived by his five children: Denise (Bob), Jim (Katy), Mark (Lisa), Anne (Steave), and Paul, ten grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren, soon to be twelve.  He always enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He had excitement and passion for life and tried to pass on his positive attitude to his family.  He was a loving husband, father, uncle and grandfather.  He used to say that his one regret was not having enough time with his wife and family.  He will be missed by all.

Special thanks to the staff at Oakmont Senior Living, in Roseville, CA for the years of care provided to John, and to the Sutter Hospice care nurses and staff for their support and guidance during his last days.