Robert S. "Butch" Foster

11/19/1953 - 4/15/2025

East Lyme – Robert S. "Butch" Foster, 71, passed away peacefully surrounded by family April 15, 2025. He was born Nov. 19, 1953, in New London to parents Jean (Cohen) Foster and Robert F. Foster.

Butch grew up in East Lyme (Flanders). He always told stories about his great childhood growing up next door to his cousins, days of fishing in Latimer Brook, horseback riding, and getting into mischief with his brothers, Richard and Don, and the neighborhood gang. He graduated from East Lyme High and went into the family business, Foster Construction Co. and ran the business for many years along with his brothers, developing many projects in New London County.

He met his wife Mary, whom he married March 23, 1985. They built their home in East Lyme and started Old Orchard Farm where they would raise and teach their three sons about apples, honey bees, pumpkins and multiple other crops that all work in unity with one another to sustain life. It was a destination in the fall season for many, and eventually became a place of learning, music and laughter where he would perform with his band "Five Bean Row," and so many other musicians creating lasting memories.

Butch always had the "gift of gab," just like his father, able to speak to people with ease and to start a conversation with anyone. He had a talent as a storyteller, being able to make you feel like you were the main character in whatever tale he might be telling. He used that talent to write three books, two of which have been published, "The Granville Hermit" and "The Nehantucket." From an early age, he developed a "love of the land" after multiple trips to Vermont with family and friends. Vermont eventually became a second home for him and his wife. He enjoyed skiing, hunting, fishing, hiking, sitting in nature, and the occasional opportunity to pan for gold.

Butch had always been a very outgoing, charismatic individual who was in love with life and saw beauty in nature that no one else could see. He made sure to teach his children everything that he knew, so they could continue to pass that knowledge onto their children. He has made a lasting impression on every individual that has come into his life, and will continue to shine bright and watch over is family and many friends.

In addition to his wife Mary; sons, Steven (Emily), Ryan and Ben, he is also survived by his two granddaughters, Madelyn and Lillian; and brothers, Richard (Carline) Foster and Donald (Rena) Foster; nieces and nephews; many very special friends.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at Thomas L. Neilan & sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com to leave the family an online condolence.