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Edward Foster Obituary
He was born in New London, on May 24, 1983, to Jill and Christopher Foster of Gales Ferry. Edward attended the Gales Ferry and Fishers Island schools and was a 2001 graduate of Ledyard High School. Following his 2006 degree in computer engineering from Northeastern University, he became a network administrator and director of IT in the Boston area.
An enthusiastic adventurer, athlete, and musician, Edward rock climbed, raced motorcycles and cars, and competed on the Northeastern University Cycling Team. At nine he was the Foster brave and mad enough to plunge into the frigid Viking seas of Newfoundland, and subsequently participated in annual Polar New Year swims. Thanks to BSA Troop 12 in Gales Ferry, Edward was a member of the national scout honor camping fraternity The Order of the Arrow; he grew to be an Eagle Scout. He had the honor of receiving the 2000 Class "MM" All-State Cross Country Award and being named to the region's All-Star cross country and track teams by The Day after breaking several long-standing records. He was a USA Hockey official for Massachusetts district, Greater Boston Youth Hockey League and an avid Bruins man participating in the annual charity beardathon. At age three, Edward was inspired by Yo Yo Ma's appearance on Mr. Roger's Neighborhood to learn the 'cello. He played with the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Youth Orchestra and Wildwood Trio. These and his band encounters as a percussionist brought him great jam sessions and enduring friendships. A cradle Episcopalian, Edward sang in the youth choir, relished Choir Camp at Camp Washington, and served as an acolyte, riding his bike the four miles to St. David's when he couldn't get a ride to the eight o'clock service.
In addition to his parents, Edward is survived by his maternal grandmother, Madge Hooper of Herefordshire, UK; elder brother, Nicholas and his partner, Mabel Chong, of Montreal, Canada; older sister, Harriet Foster and her husband, Donald Howard, of Bangkok, Thailand and Sterling, Va.; and aunt, uncles, cousins, and godparents.
In accordance with Edward's wishes, his organs and tissues were recovered by the New England Organ Bank for the benefit of waiting and future recipients.
Memorial services will be announced when planning is complete.
Byles-MacDougall Funeral Service in New London is assisting the family.
Contributions in Edward's memory may be made by becoming an organ donor, www.DonateLifeNewEngland.org and by donating to the Boston Bruins Charitable Foundation, 100 Legends Way, Boston, MA 02114, http://bruins.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=38862, and Camp Washington, www.ctepiscopal.org/donations, two organizations that enhance the lives of children.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Foster
Gareth Bogue
May 28, 2025
Edward! Dude I miss you man and I just remember I was living in cali and you came out and hit me up and we got to hang. I´ll never forget that time and glad I got that last chance. Miss you brother!!!!!!
Jill Kit Nicholas and Mabel Harriet and Don Foster Chong Howard
July 13, 2019
Thank you, each of you, for such deep, fun, and kindly thoughts for Edward and for us here and in notes, cards emails, 'phone calls, pictures and stories. We eat lasagna on his days; his visor and sunglasses attend most family events, and his arguments are debated still; we mind our grammar; get poignant at those Bach and Sibelius 'cello pieces EVERY time; post pictures of food as we did before; and watch the little tree grow in quiet beauty. Six years on it is now taller than he. He still has a finger in the pie. We think of all that Edward is to you and our hearts are full. Your thoughts here and since have sustained us and give us afresh the real Edward, crazy and complete, greater than words can express. We are so very glad and thank you for your remembrances of Edward.
Roberta Langlais
August 12, 2013
Jill, Kit, Harriet and Nick,
Please accept my sympathy on your loss. I was shocked and saddened to learn of Edwards death. I have been gone from CT. for over 16 years and have fond memories of that sweet little boy and his cello. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Peace and love,
Roberta Langlais
Unknown Rescuer
July 25, 2013
Dear Foster Family
I was one of the Rescuers on scene and just wanted you to know my heart goes out to your family.
Lene
July 23, 2013
Dear Foster Family,
So sorry to hear about your loss. Your family and friends have been in our prayers. Neighbor to Pastor Ken and Connie Winters
Leslie Forbes
July 22, 2013
Jill and family, I'm so very sorry for the loss of your son. What an amazing man and what a creative life he lived. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Leslie Forbes (Ledyard, CT)
Ethan Sprague
July 22, 2013
Dear Foster Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Ed will live forever in the hearts of all of those he touched. Ed and I shared many things in common and I will always cherish the times we got to spend together. Although separated by a great distance as of late, Ed and I only grew closer in the recent past. Ed was a true mans man, a fellow car lover and general tinkerer. I will always think of him in my future projects. Love and Friendship always!!
Shannon Etlinger Baker
July 22, 2013
Dear Foster family,
Remembering Edward as a clever, creative and sharp 4th grade student puts a great big smile on my face. His adventurous spirit and charming confidence were very endearing. I am so pleased and impressed to read that he lived a full and accomplished life. (Not a surprise!) Indeed, he will be greatly missed. I offer my most tender and sincere condolences to a wonderful family that touched my heart many years ago.
Linda Branche
July 21, 2013
Jill and family ~ was saddened to hear of your loss! My prayers go out to you at this difficult time.
July 21, 2013
Dear Jill and Kit,
Pat and I wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time. We didn't know your son however we are sure he is with God now, looking lovingly down at his family and friends, asking God to heal your pain. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in your memories and if you need anything, even just someone to listen, depend on your friends. We are here. God bless all of you. Take special care of each other.
Love,
Liz and Pat
Jordan Neistat
July 19, 2013
I am so saddened to hear of Edward's passing. His sense of humor and sarcasm brightened up many of my days. His bad advice always made us both laugh. He'll be missed. Sending love, prayer, and support to the whole family. My heart hurts for you.
Stephanie Galvani
July 19, 2013
I am heart-broken to hear of your sad loss. I remember Edward's energy, creativity, and great smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Adam
July 19, 2013
I met Ed through a couple great friends in our little car racing circle. He was a fantastic guy who carried himself very well. I am extremely saddened to hear this news, and wish that I knew him more. We will pray for your family!
Pam and Bill Galvani
July 19, 2013
Oh my, dear Fosters. We are so sorry to hear about Edward's death. I still think of him as that darling fun little boy we knew. Although we've been away from CT for a very long time, Edward and your family are still very much a part of our warm memories of Gales Ferry and St. David's. We can only send you lovely memories of that beautiful boy, along with our love and prayers..
Pam and Bill Galvani
July 19, 2013
Oh my. We are so sorry to hear about Edward. We can only send you prayers and love and wonderful memories of that beautiful boy. Even though we left Gales Ferry many years ago, the Foster family is still very much a part of our warm thoughts about life there. Please know we share your sadness.
Pam and Bill Galvani, Bainbridge Island, Washington
July 19, 2013
There are no words to express such deep and unforgiving sorrow..... Jill and Kit, I send my faithful prayer and heartfelt condolences to your family. The loss of your dear son is beyond comprehension. I weep for your sorrow.
Michelle Mencer
July 19, 2013
Jill and Kit, I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your son, Edward. I know how much joy he brought to you both. I pray that the memories held within your heart offer you a sense of peace.
Hilary Manton
July 19, 2013
Dear Jill and Kit
I am sure nothing I can say will help but you have to be so proud of all he had done and remember the happy times.
Love to you all and you are in my thoughts. Hilary
Emmy Marquardt
July 18, 2013
Ed is an eternal flame in my heart and countless others
Robert Welt
July 18, 2013
Dear Jill and Kit,
Please accept my most sincere condolences. Edward must have made you very proud to be his parents.
July 18, 2013
Dear Jill and Kit,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. I only knew him through Harriet's stories, but I knew he was well loved. My heart goes out to you.
Cheryl Barszcz (John Chaput's mother)
Karyn Trulove
July 18, 2013
Mrs Foster,my thought's and prayer's are with you and your family in this difficult time.
Carlene Stinnette
July 18, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Corrine Jensen
July 18, 2013
It's still unreal that I'll never see Ed's face randomly in the crowd. He was smart and solid, the kind of guy you could count on and he was taken away from all of us way too early. My condolences to his family and friends in this difficult time.
Diana Rumrill
July 18, 2013
I will always remember Ed making me laugh on rides up to the youth orchestra at UConn, despite being too old and cool for such humor in the 5th grade. My heart and thoughts are with your whole family.
Love,
July 18, 2013
Dear Kit and Jill,
I was shocked to read about your son's tragic death. Please know that our thought's and prayers are with you.
Joan and Roger Cook
Fran Prescott
July 18, 2013
Dear Kit, Jill, and Harriet,
How lucky I was to have had the privilege of teaching Edward on Fishers Island! He always brought a smile to my face. He was bright, and funny, and argumentative, and I loved him. His kind of bright spirit doesn't disappear--he will live on in the hearts of more people than you may ever imagine. I am truly saddened by his death, but Edward will always be in my heart. May your memories of him eventually take away the pain of your loss, and may they bring you light and laughter throughout the years. Sending my love--
Fran Prescott
Lisa Stone-Parsons
July 18, 2013
Dear Foster family, I administered rescue breathing, to Edward at the shore. At the time I did not know him, but did my best to help. When the paramedics arrived I continued to hold his right hand until he was taken to the hospital. My husband and I got back into our canoe and we did not speak to the media etc. I believe every life has value and in my thoughts that day, I knew he was someones son, brother, grandson or dear friend. I am not a nurse, doctor, police officer etc. I'm a parent. I have a daughter and I also have a son who is full of life as Edward was. You are in my prayers and know that he will forever be etched in my heart.
Jeannine Sicard
July 18, 2013
Dear Kit and Jill: I was shocked to hear of the loss of such an outstanding son. He has left such a legacy at his young age and lived a life that most will never come close to achieving. I can only imagine the pain you are feeling. Please know that my prayers are with you and my deepest condolences to you and your family during this very sad time.
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