Remembering Bob Foster (1933-2017)
Robert Foster was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Robert passed away at the age of 84, on September 23, 2017. He was born in Waterbury, CT, on January 23, 1933, to Donald W. Foster and Sylvia M. Whittaker. Bob grew up in Thomaston, CT. and graduated from Thomaston High School in 1952. He served in the US Navy during the Korean War on the USS Shenandoah and was honorably discharged in 1960. Robert married his wife, Jeannine T. Bolduc, of St. Ludger, Canada, on November 30, 1957.
Bob began his long career in the automotive industry, in 1955, for General Motors in Bristol, CT, retiring as Foreman over the Sheet Metal Division in 1987. He served as a Police Officer and Volunteer Fireman in Thomaston, CT. Robert, and wife, Jeannine, relocated to Cedar Hill, TX in 1987, to be closer to immediate family after his retirement. He was actively involved in the community, volunteering his time at the Cedar Hill Food Pantry. Bob was a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church community and active member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the VFW and American Legion. Bob had a passion for horseback riding, golf and bowling.
Robert was devoted to his family. He is loved and will be missed by many. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Sylvia Foster and three older brothers, Edmond, Calvin and Donald Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Jeannine Foster, of Cedar Hill; daughter, Karen Chandler and her husband, Roscoe of Midlothian; daughter, Lisa Gonzales and her husband, Louis of Midlothian; five grandchildren, Joseph Chandler and his wife, Kristen of Arlington, Wesley Chandler and his wife, Hana of Waxahachie, Blake Chandler and his wife, Kristina of Dallas, Trevor Gonzales and his wife, Emily of Berkley, MI, and Zachary Gonzales of Midlothian; and three great granddaughters, Lexi, Raegan and Audrey Chandler. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.
For those of us that worked with him over the years, he will be remembered as a top notch person who could be relied upon. On Saturday mornings you could bet all your money that he would be at the concession with Ed O’Brien and Frank Hernandez during the first shift. His first task always was to turn the labels on the bottles in the drink cooler so that they could be read by the customers. It was just a “thing” for him.
This writer has a special memory for Bob because he signed me up for the Knights of Columbus. While everyone else sort of fumbled with explaining what the Knights were all about, Bob was very clear and concise about what the Knights of Columbus was all about – Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. Rest in Peace old friend.