Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1926
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Gilbert Foster Obituary
May 9, 1926 - July 4, 2016
Resident of San Jose
Gilbert was born in San Jose, CA on May 9th, 1926, to parents John and Rosella Foster. Gilbert grew up attending Berryessa school, Bellarmine and San Jose Tech. He started working at a very young age. Before enlisting in World War II, Gilbert worked many farms and orchards in Berryessa when Santa Clara County was an agricultural city. He honored his country by first serving with the Merchant Marines, active duty in the Pacific & Atlantic Theater (1943 – 1946); then in the U.S. Army on the front lines in Korea's Heartbreak Ridge (1951 to 1953) being awarded the Purple Heart on Sept. 11th 1951. After the war, Gilbert worked as a trucker for P.I.E. Company, then began a new chapter by opening his own trucking company in the water business. Gilbert was a member of many groups, including World War II Veterans, Korean War Veterans, the Elks Club, the American Legion and the Disabled Veterans. He also sponsored the seeing eye dog charities for many years and was an avid hunter and fisherman. To everyone that Gilbert touched in his life and to those who touched his, and loved and cared for him throughout his life, the family is very grateful. God Bless all of you. Services for Gilbert will begin Monday July 11th with a visitation from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Funeral service will begin at 12 PM at Darling Fischer Garden Chapel in San Jose. Followed by a committal service at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in San Jose.
View the online memorial for Gilbert R. Foster
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gilbert Foster
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Sharon Thompson
July 30, 2025
Uncle Gil was married to my Aunt for many years, we loved him so much. Such a fun loving and caring man. I was lucky enough to share many years of fun with my aunt and Uncle Gil. He will remain in my heart as one of my favorite people in my life. Miss you Uncle Gil. Love, Sharon
Jeanne Lewis McKown
July 1, 2022
I still think of you often my friend and miss your friendship and smiling face.
April 28, 2017
could someone please tell me if Gil belonged to the Milpitas Historical society. I'm a long time friend of his and he knew mabel mattos. Barbara gomes
December 12, 2016
Whenever a Purple Heart Patriot leaves us, we know, only too well that sacrifice made for his comrades, his loved ones and his Nation. Our members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 549 Monterey Bay render a final Salute. Respectfully, Gerald Pitman - MOPH Ch. 549
Jessica Rose
July 7, 2016
Gil was such a sweet man, I always looked forward to seeing him at Joe's on Thursdays. He had a big heart and was a joy to be around. Truly an awesome guy, he will be missed.
Darling Fischer Garden Chapel
July 6, 2016
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Gilbert Foster's name
Memorial Events
for Gilbert Foster
Jul
11
Service
9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Darling & Fischer Garden Chapel471 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA 95112
Jul
11
Funeral service
11:30 a.m.
Darling & Fischer Garden Chapel471 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA 95112
Funeral services provided by:
Darling & Fischer Garden Chapel471 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA 95112
How to support Gilbert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gilbert Foster's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored