Paul Kenneth Jastrem, 68, of St. Petersburg, Florida, formerly of Lawrence, Massachusetts, passed away on December 29, 2015 at St. Anthony's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Paul attended Holy Trinity Grammar School and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1964. In 1969, he earned his degree in Literature/Music History from Northeastern University-Boston where he was a university instructor and chapel organist. Paul served as organist/choir director at the former Holy Trinity Church in Lawrence.
In 1973, Paul moved to St. Petersburg, Florida and continued his career as organist at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle and as Music Director for the Polish Mission and then Blessed Trinity Catholic Church. Paul was Service Center Manager for The Singer Co./NPS in St. Petersburg for over 20 years. Paul’s talent and passion for music afforded him the opportunity of being a substitute organist for many churches throughout the Tampa Bay and Orlando areas.
Predeceased by his parents, Eugene S. Jastrem Sr. and Olga (Moysenko), he is survived by a wife, Rosetta; his brother, Eugene S. Jastrem, Jr. and his wife, Paula of Londonderry, NH; his sisters, Leslie A. Rompa and her husband, Leszek of Derry, NH, and Cynthia M. Jastrem of Haverhill, MA; his aunt, Anne (Moysenko) Rogala of Timmonsville, SC; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service was held January 9 at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, St. Petersburg at which one of Paul’s original compositions “Communion Motet” was performed.
A local, private service will be held for his family and friends.
Donations in Paul Jastrem’s memory may be made to the St. Anthony's Hospital Foundation, 1200 7th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33705.