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James Foy Obituary
James Larry Foy, Larry to his friends and colleagues, of Ashford, CT, passed away the early morning of September 1, 2014 with his son Brendan at his side. He was 65. Larry was born October 29, 1948 at Providence Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina to William Rutherford Foy and Jacqueline E. Foy. Shortly after his birth, Larry was relocated to West Hartford, Connecticut with his family and later moved to Hartford on New Britain Avenue where he made many fond childhood memories. His family moved yet again to East Hartford where Larry graduated from George J. Penney High School. Larry went on to earn his B.A. from Western Connecticut State University in 1974 where, as a member of the debate team, he had fond memories of taking on the ivy league competition. In 1977, Larry earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut and served as a law clerk to Fleming James, Jr., a mentor of his. From 1977 to 1980, Larry was Assistant General Counsel to the Connecticut State Board of Labor Relations where he investigated and mediated over 400 unfair labor practice and representation disputes. From January, 1980 to November, 1988, Larry was General Counsel to the Connecticut State Board of Labor Relations where he advised the board, wrote its decisions and/or defended those decisions in court in over 500 unfair labor practice and representation cases. Since 1979 Larry has privately arbitrated over 2,000 grievance arbitrations in the public and private sectors throughout New England. He has arbitrated over 400 municipal, teacher and state employee interest arbitration disputes. Larry has mediated over 1,000 collective bargaining contract negotiations between boards of education and bargaining units of certified teachers and/or administrators. Larry is survived by his wife of 36 years, Shirley Foy, his six children: Eric Joseph Foy, Melissa Marion Foy, Brendan James Foy, Tara Patricia Foy, Kelly Elizabeth Gates, and Ashley Heather Foy-Tervoort; his five grandchildren Emma Grace Foy, Logan Gunnar Foy, Olivia Catherine Foy, Sofia Linnea Gates, and Gunnar George Gates; his two son in laws Mathew Gates and Daniel Tervoort, and his two nephews Michael Foy, Jr. and Matthew Foy. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Lionel Foy and his nephew Mark Foy. Aside from Larry's devotion to his family and profession, his passion was fishing and the outdoors. He was a history buff and his intellectual curiosity covered a broad range of subjects. His dream growing up was to be a park ranger. Integrity, hard work, and generosity are the best words to describe who Larry was as a man. He was a firm believer in the rule of law and due process for all. Larry took pride in his work and took his impartiality and ethical duties very seriously. He was a superlative writer and were he with us today he would be editing this obituary. A child could not ask for a better role model as a father. He is loved and will be sorely missed. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, September 6, at Christ Church located at 568 College Highway, Southwick Massachusetts.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Foy
Sponsored by the family.
Ashley Foy Tervoort
August 30, 2020
Six years have gone by and I miss you as much, if not more, than ever. You live on in us dad.
Maureen Keenan salinger
December 8, 2014
Larry and I dated for a year while he was in law school and I was a student at WCSC. I admired his intellectualism and work ethic. sorry he left this place too early.
Christine Chinni
November 10, 2014
I was so sorry to learn of Larry's passing. I worked with him dozens of times as a mediator and arbitrator. His intelligence and engagement will be sorely missed
September 23, 2014
I first met Larry during a workshop sponsored by the Connecticut Education Association and was impressed with his wit, guidance, and intelligence. Later, when in law school, I had the pleasure of interning with him at the State Board of Labor Relations. He was so much fun, helpful to me, knowledgeable and hard working. What a role model! I did not know he was ill and suffered. I feel so sad that such a wonderful man is gone. It is with a heavy heart I write this -- how can he be gone? I want to add that his obituary was very moving. I take it that one or more of the children wrote it. Thank you so much.
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Tom Clifford
September 23, 2014
Dear Shirley and Family -
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on Larry's passing. We were classmates in law school. I recall a genuinely bright, self-effacing and light hearted guy.
Once our professional careers were underway I called upon him. I had just been elected mayor of the city of Ansonia. I desperately needed a management lawyer for upcoming contract talks with the city's various bargaining units. I knew Larry would give me an objective appraisal. He did, and I accepted his advice. Subsequently, I looked brilliant, and labor accord reigned during my terms of office. I owed it all to Larry. Always willing to help. I was fortunate to count him as a loyal friend - and we shall all miss him.
Sincerely,
Christine Chinni
September 17, 2014
I remember working with Larry as a mediator and arbitrator many times over the years. He will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to his family.
Jeff Mogan
September 16, 2014
I had the privilege of working with Larry on a few occasions over the past several years and he was not only a great arbitrator, but a wonderful person – always kind and a pleasure to talk with. He will be missed. My deepest condolences.
Susan Meredith
September 12, 2014
I met Larry in 1978 when I came to the SBLR where he was assistant general counsel. He was my friend, my mentor, my always available sounding board and helper. I will miss him very much. To his much beloved family, I send my sincere condolences. May your memories comfort you.
September 11, 2014
Still thinking of you, Dad. <3 <3 <3
Laura McNaughton
September 11, 2014
I worked with Larry when he was an arbitrator for a total of 30 years between the AAA and the ADR Center and found him to be not only brilliant and conscientious but fair and compassionate. He was strictly business until you asked "how are the kids" and he would go on and on about what they were doing and how proud he was of them. We will miss him...he was certainly one of a kind....Rest Peacefully!
My dad <3
Ashley Foy Tervoort
September 10, 2014
My father is sorely missed by all those who loved him. Please help us to keep his legacy alive by donating to a memorial scholarship in his name, the James Larry Foy Memorial Scholarship, at www.foymemorialfund.myevent.com thank you!
Sandy LaBella
September 10, 2014
I just found out about Larry. I worked with him at the AAA and then the ADR Center since 1988. He was a wonderful man and loved his family a lot. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Sandy LaBella
September 8, 2014
I knew Larry Foy for over thirty years. In 1983, he was so helpful to me when I was writing my dissertation about Labor Board Decisions in CT. He was brillant and funny and so knowledgeable. In the course of the last 30 years, Larry has served as an arbitrator in several negotiations in which I participated. A couple of years ago,he again served as an arbitrator and we had an opportunity to revisit the "old days". Stiil brillant, still funny... He will be missed by so many people. I feel fortunate in having known him. He was a superb teacher and attorney, but most importantly, he was a wonderful person. I send my heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.
Sincerely,
Anne Jellison
David Morrissey
September 7, 2014
I'm so sorry for your loss. Larry wasabi wonderful person and friend.
Frances Chartoff
September 6, 2014
I am so sorry to hear about your brother, Sharon. My deepest sympathies to you and James and family at this sad time.
Chip Scott
September 6, 2014
In this time of grief, I want to tell Larry's family, his sisters Sharon and Terry, and his brother Mike, that I know from experience how hard it is to lose someone that was a part of your life in ways no one can compare.
Nicole Bernabo
September 5, 2014
May Larry's spirit live on. He will be missed dearly. He was truly one of a kind and I have fond memories of our late night conversations during board of ed mediations. My sincerest condolences to Larry's family.
Kaitlin Stenberg
September 5, 2014
Larry was one of my nicest Uncles. Although it is sad that he is gone, we surely know that the Angels will lead him to Heaven for all of his Good Deeds. He will be truly missed. My Prayers go out to all of those who miss him, too.
Fred Dorsey
September 5, 2014
Larry was always the "go to" guy when you had a tough decision that needed to be fairly and impartially rendered. The Connecticut labor community will miss him immensely. He added a lot more to life than he took; we should all hope to emulate that action.
Kaitlin Stenberg
September 5, 2014
Larry was one of my nicest Uncles. It's sad that he is gone, but the Angels will, surely, lead him to Heaven for all his Good Deeds. He will be missed. My Prayers go out to all who miss him, too. R.I.P. to him.
Cliff Silvers
September 5, 2014
O I knew Larry for close to 30 years. Having worked for the Connecticut Education Association for 32 years it was my privilege to to say that Larry Foy was a man of honor and integrity . Labor relations was very important to Larry and he was an expert in performing the responsibilities associated with the job. He was respected by both unions and management. I will remember him for all the good he did. To Larry and his family I offer my deepest sympathy as I am sure that all those who have had the privilege to know and have worked with Larry over these many years will say he will be missed. God rest is soul
Norma Lee Chartoff
September 5, 2014
Dear Sharon, Mike, Terry, and families, We are so sorry for the loss of your brother. He obviously did wonderful work throughout his life, and dear Jackie too, would be very proud of him, as you all are. Know that he did a lot of good things for a lot of people, and not every life touches so many in such a positive way. Much sympathies to you, Love, Norma
James Baird
September 5, 2014
A number of years ago I had the privilege of spending time with Larry, my brother-in-law, engaging in stimulating conversation and sharing pleasant memories. In my experience, Larry was an exceptionally thoughtful and generous man. I wish that we could have enjoyed more time together. Larry will certainly be missed.
Harry Elliott
September 5, 2014
Smart, humane, yet tough when necessary, Larry Foy always listened and always did his uttermost to do right by those before him. Such a loss.
September 5, 2014
On behalf of AVFD
Melissa Foy
September 4, 2014
This candle is God always showing his forever light and love. I love you and was glad to have your as my father. Melissa
Melissa Foy
September 4, 2014
My Dad James Larry Foy passing away this moring was a shock.I love you dad. I'm glad you're not in pain anymore and can breath now without worrying. I'm glad my mom and kids with their family got together one last time for a nice cookout on Memorial Day to share with our dad at Sean's/my place. My dad loved nature so much that he enjoyed his last years out on the lake and fished when well. He loved all his grandkids and enjoyed seeing them enjoying the lake too just spending time with them. He also instilled in us that education is very important that we all should keep at it. He was a very hard worker and tought us if you want something you need to work at it. He was a great Arbitrator. He loved all his kids the same. Always said he had 6 kids and didn't care that I wore hearing aids. Where he is I know he's happy in heaven now that he's not in pain but can still look down on us and watch his family. Thanks Micheal and Charlotte for being there today.
Terry Wooden
September 4, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. I am sad that I missed knowing him all of my life. I do know that he was kind and caring and that he loved his children more than life itself. You were blessed to have such a wonderful person for a father. He will be missed by everyone.
I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Terry Wooden-sister from Tennessee
Douglas Zimmerman
September 4, 2014
You will always be remembered Uncle Larry. R.I.P.
alyssa
September 4, 2014
dear Melissa and family I am very sorry for the loss of your father. I remember the first time I met him it was your 23 or 24th birthday we were going to six flags, we had no clue how to get there and your father was kind enough to let us follow him to the park so you would not get lost. he is your angel now looking down on all of you
may the memories you have of him stay close in your heart always
Alyssa
James Larry Foy with his wife, Shirley, and two granddaughters- Olivia and Sofia<3
Kelly Gates
September 4, 2014
June 4, 2014. My dad, James Larry Foy walking me down the aisle<3
Kelly Gates
September 4, 2014
Rick Reilly
September 4, 2014
Warm ,friendly person, who had time for everyone-- that's what made him a successful Neutral. He will be missed by all his friends in ADR Community. Rick Reilly
Jackie Steele
September 4, 2014
Kelly, you and your family are in my thoughts! <3<3<3
Proudly being walked down the aisle by my father Larry, August 10 2013
Ashley Foy Tervoort
September 4, 2014
May my father, an inspiration to all who knew him, rest in peace. We love you dad!
Kelly Gates
September 4, 2014
I love you Dad!!!!
September 4, 2014
Larry was my first boyfriend. he taught me or attempted to teach me how to fly fish, how to drive and how to be a better person.
We haven't spoken in many years but I will never forget him. May he rest in peace.
Joyce Thomas
Nick & Rita Leftheris & Family
September 4, 2014
Your children are a shining example of the role model you lived. They are your link to eternity and your greatest gift to humanity. You will be missed by all and never forgotten by those you loved.
Tara Foy
September 4, 2014
This candle represents Gods eternal light which basks you now. I love you Dad:)
Tara Foy
September 4, 2014
My father Larry was the most selfless, kind and honorable man a girl could want as a father. He taught me to be strong and brave and to never stop learning. My father left his books to me which would rival the grandest library. My Dad saved my life literally, from the iron grasps of depression. I owe everything that's good about me and my life to him. I will miss him every minute of everyday although I know Heaven admitted a new angel on Monday. I know he will never stop watching over my family and I, bc he can't help it. I love you Dad, God bless you!
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