George K Foster Jr

George “Porge” Foster passed away on January 1, 2022, just shy of his 80th birthday.   His battle with cancer in recent years showed his courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile. Despite what a “PIA” it was, he remained strong and in good spirits, wanting nothing more than to spend as much time as possible being a husband, father, and grandfather.  

George grew up on Vassar Road in Poughkeepsie, NY, graduated Class of 1961 from Wappingers High School.   He met his wife, Ann (Maskewicz) while bartending at Cavacini’s “Just yell, Hey Porge”.   They married in June 1965 and had two children, Connie Michele and Michael (Mickey Mantle). 

He loved his Yankees, Giants, Rangers and UConn Women’s Basketball, no matter how frustrating they were over the years.  George played softball for the Wornock House team.   He coached his younger cousins and nephews’ baseball in Wappingers alongside his brother, John.   He coached and then ran the LaGrange Youth Baseball League.  One of his greatest joys was coaching his son from tee-ball to senior league.   George was inducted into the Dutchess County Baseball Hall of Fame as a coach. 

George found a slice of heaven in their new home in UnionVale where he regularly watched herds of deer and turkeys across the street and hunted nearby at Otto’s.    He loved hunting and all types of fishing and wildlife, and even opened F&G Sporting Goods.  He & Mick took their dream father-son trip to Alaska and spent the week fishing on the Kenai River.  

After retiring from IBM, George worked odd jobs at the US Post Office in Fishkill and the Courtyard Marriott in Fishkill.  Once the kids were college graduates and settled into jobs, George convinced Ann to retire, sell their home, buy a motorhome, and travel the country.  Their world wind adventure took them through most of the US, seeing amazing sights.  But the best time they had was the 4:00 cocktail hours with the RV Forum Group, making life-long friendships.

Once the grandkids started to arrive, it was time to settle down in one spot.  George found an amazing job at Lone Oak Campground in Canaan, CT working & laughing with Jackie, Peter & Barry.    He always found a reservation for their regular campers.    At their home in Torrington, George spent days watching for bears out the window. Finally spotted a big black bear strolling right outside their window earlier this year. 

George is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Ann, daughter Connie Brown and her husband Gary; son Mick Foster and his wife Kristie; 8 grandchildren Taylor, Jimmy, Cole, Jacqi, Tiffany, Gabbie, Michael and Juliet; his brothers John (Sallie) and Richard (Jan); nephews, nieces and cousins.   The family is certain George was greeted in heaven by H & O-O, Cunge & Phil, and life-long friends Gartley & Jorie.  

The family would like to thank longtime physician Dr Dennis Gottfried, the nurses & doctors at Smilow Cancer Center, as well as the overworked nurses and aides at Valerie Manor for all their hard-work, dedication and caring.    

Although it is winter and hard to get together, the family hopes you will join them for a celebration of George’s life on Thursday, January 13, 2-6 PM at the Elks Lodge, 900 Wolcott Ave, Beacon, New York.    In lieu of flowers or donations, the family would love for you to share your favorite memories of George.  

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