Thomas Rupert Foster

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Thomas (Tom) R. Foster, age 89 of Gloversville, passed away on March 12th, surrounded by his seven children. 

He was born in 1935 in Penn Yan, New York, to Dr. Kenneth and Winifred Foster. A lifelong athlete, educator, coach, and mentor, Tom’s life was defined by his dedication to teaching, his love for coaching, and his unwavering devotion to his family. 

Tom attended Gloversville High School before transferring to the New York Military Academy, where he graduated in 1954. A talented pitcher, he signed a professional contract with the St. Louis Cardinals while attending St. Lawrence University on a football scholarship. From 1954 to 1956, he played in the Cardinals' minor league system. After completing his service in the United States Army and playing in the All-Army baseball team, he returned to professional baseball before retiring from the sport in 1960. He received a B.S. in Health & Physical Education from SUNY Brockport, and a Masters from Ithaca College in 1967.  

In 1958, Tom married the love of his life, Mary Anne S. Foster, with whom he shared 51 wonderful years until her passing in 2009. Following his baseball career, Tom dedicated himself as a community leader in education, teaching, and coaching for the Gloversville School District for over three decades. He was a founding coach of the F-M Flairs gymnastics team in 1971 and expanded the team's recognition in numerous state, regional, and national championship competitions. His impact on generations of students and athletes leaves a legacy of his mentoring and leadership. 

Tom’s greatest joy was his family. He and Mary Anne raised seven children: Dr. Thomas Foster (Don) of Sturgeon Bay, WI; Margie Cunningham (Jeremiah) of Ashburn, VA; Timothy Foster of Clifton Park, NY; Mary Thompson (James) of Waterford, VA; Anne Foster of Ashburn, VA; Elizabeth Cusack (Martin) of Downingtown, PA; and Rosanne Ouimet (John) of Brambleton, VA. He was a devoted grandfather to 14 grandchildren, including Jeremiah Cunningham, Jessica Abbate (Adam), and Connor Cunningham; Trevor Foster (Audrey), Stephanie Buckwalter (Zachary), and Drew Foster (Ekaterine); Isabel, Sofia, and Tommy Thompson; Patrick and Caroline Cusack; and Olivia, Elle and Charlotte Ouimet. He was also blessed to have five great-grandchildren, Brooks, Lane, Beau, Gianna, and Penelope who brought him immense happiness in his later years.  

Tom Foster is survived by his sister Carol (Foster) Schermerhorn of Pensacola, Florida and Mary Ellen (Drake) Hallenbeck of Mayfield, NY. 

Tom, an outdoor enthusiast and conservationist, cherished his retirement at Peck’s Lake. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking in the Adirondacks. Beyond his love of the outdoors, Tom was an avid reader, golfer, and was always up for a day at the Saratoga Racetrack. As a caring neighbor he won the affection of those around him. A visit from his children and grandchildren at Peck's Lake was always a highlight. He will be remembered for the profound impact he had on those who knew him. 

Friends and family may call on Thursday, March 20 from 4pm - 7pm at Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville, NY 12078. A mass of Christian burial will take place on Friday, March 21st at 11am at the Church of the Holy Spirit; 152 S Main St, Gloversville. Interment will follow at Prospect Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Tom Foster "Excellence, Never Less" Scholarship Fund at Gloversville High School. Donations by check may be mailed to: Tom Foster Memorial Scholarship; c/o Mary Thompson, 38956 Old Stage Place, Waterford, VA, 20197, or through the link attached https://gofund.me/80dc95ab

Tom Foster’s legacy as an athlete, educator, and family man will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him.