East Lyme - Robert F Foster, 87, of East Lyme, passed away peacefully on Jan., 16, 2019. He was born on March 1, 1931 to Joseph Foster and Victoria (Philopena) Foster.

Bob was a graduate of Chapman Tech in New London. He is survived by his wife Jean, whom he married on April 7, 1951. Besides his parents he predeceased by his older brother Donald, and his twin brother Richard.

He will be greatly missed by his sons Butch, Richard, and Don, their spouses Mary, Carline, and Rena, his grandchildren Steve (Emily), Ryan, Ben, Joseph, Hillary, and Bryce, his great-granddaughter Madelyn, along with his nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved spending time with.

A veteran of the US Marine Corp, Bob drove a Sherman tank during the Korean conflict. Upon return was stationed at Camp Lajeune in North Carolina. His last tour of duty serving as a Marine life guard at Onslow Beach.

Bob became a commercial truck driver and loved the "over the road" life hauling freight with a 40 foot trailer in tow at a time when power steering was just a luxury. He would sleep a few hours on the seat and finish the delivery on time. In Bob's late 70's and early 80's he once again took to hauling boats and heavy equipment locally with his Freightliner cab over twin screw tractor. This was what he considered a "hobby".

Bob started and formed his construction company, Foster Construction, in the late 50's performing site work and excavation services and was well known throughout the area, having a hand in almost all the commercial projects throughout Flanders Road and Route 1 in East Lyme, as well as multitudes of residential homesteads throughout the town and New London County. His next adventure began in the late 70's sailing his 41-ft Morgan yacht all throughout the coast of New England, Caribbean, and Bermuda for well over fifteen years, earning the title "Captain Bob".

Bob was an avid Patriots fan, mostly due to being a star player at Chapman Tech along with his twin brother Dick in high school. This was at the time of the "Leather Helmets". He loved spending time fishing, hunting, skiing, painting, sailing, and telling his stories, "Adventures" in which he never had a shortage of.

Bob has a very unique, magnetic, outgoing quality and personality that had a way of touching a spark in every person he encountered. He viewed every day as a new adventure!

There will be no calling hours. A private memorial service will be held by the family and a celebration of Bob's life will be held at a later date for his many friends and acquaintances to share their stories, adventures and escapades with "Bob Foster".

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Jan. 23, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Foster

Sponsored by Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home - New London.

9 Entries

Stan and Linda Olaski

January 28, 2019

Bob was such a wonderful person. We will always remember the times we spent with Bob and Jean. Our heartfelt sympathy to the Foster Family

Joann and Brad Kerr

January 25, 2019

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Susan Bancroft

January 24, 2019

I met Bob a long time ago, while anchored at Napatree Point, CT. I took a friend into Watch Hill, and on my return trip in the dinghy to our boat, I got lost....it is true all mast lights look the same in the dark !! Bob and his friend Stanley, on 'My Way' saw me wandering from boat to boat and asked if they could help. Stan jumped into the dink and helped me find my way back to the boat. Mark and I found instant boat pals. Bob was a hoot, and Stanley became one of the best friends I ever had. Say hi to him for me Bob, and may you rest in eternal peace. Semper Fi.

January 24, 2019

Dear Butch and Mary, So sorry to hear of the passing of your father.My thoughts and prayers are with both of you at this difficult time.
Love,Carleen Frink

Marybeth Lee

January 23, 2019

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you " Foster" clan, he certainly had an eventful and full life. May you all find some peace and enjoy all of the great memories that he provided for all f you.

Marybeth Lee

January 23, 2019

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Laura Holt

January 22, 2019

My sincere condolences on the loss of this wonderful, big hearted man. He lived life to the fullest and will live on through his adult children, grandchildren and great grandchildren...... What a legacy ! I'm pretty sure Bob was a regular customer at Smith's Pharmacy back in the day, coming in to laugh at Harold's daily jokes. He may have dug our family's foundation. How blessed you are to enjoy this long life well lived.

Nancy Gartley

January 22, 2019

Dear Butch, Mary, Richard and all the family,
I was saddened to read of your Dad's passing and you are all in my thoughts. What an accomplished guy.
With my deepest sympathy for your loss,
Nancy

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