Obituary of Richard W. Foster

Richard W. Foster, 93, ofClinton, passed away peacefully at his home onFriday, November 29, 2013 Richard was born onJanuary 5, 1920inOwego,NY, attendedOwegoFreeAcademyand graduated fromSpringfieldCollege's Phys Ed program. He proudly postponed his studies to serve during WWII in the Army Air Corps as a B-29 pilot. He completed many "missions" overJapan, based out ofGuam. In 1944, he married Barbara Jones. From 1957-1983, he was the swim and tennis coach atNewHartfordHigh School. During that time, he led his team to numerous SectionIIIswimming championships. Richard was a member of the Air Force Reserves and was promoted to Lt. Colonel. He served as Liaison Officer, interviewing high school students for the U.S. Air Force Academy. He was also a member of the New Hartford American Legion Post #1376, was a basketball referee, swimming meet referee and member of many organizations, including St. James Episcopal Church and the Clinton Historical Society. In 1991, he was inducted into OwegoFreeAcademy's Hall of Fame and received the Section IV NYS Public High School Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sports. Richard was also a proud member of the 330th Bombardment Group Association and enjoyed annual "bomb group reunions" around the country. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; two sons and a daughter, Robert Foster, Brian Foster and Kimberlee Foster, all of California; his four grandchildren, Sarah Foster, Olivia Clopton Foster, Julia Clopton Foster and Daniel Foster; a great-granddaughter, Mia Foster; and his beloved canine companion, Baylee. A memorial service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church at 11am on Saturday, January 4, 2014. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Richard's name to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc, 4277 Middle Settlement Rd, New Hartford, NY 13413 or to the Herkimer Humane Society, 514 New York 5S, Mohawk, NY 13407. The family is deeply grateful to the nurses of Hospice and his dedicated caregivers, Mark Grube, Joe Servatius, Brooke Bonsel and Krystal and Kayla Warshal for their compassionate care and friendship.