Irving Foster

Irving Griswold Foster, 81, died early Thursday morning, February 4, 2016, at the Wheelock Terrace Assisted Living facility in Hanover, NH. Irv was born September 9, 1934 in Manchester, CT the son of William Avery and Mary Helena (Welles) Foster. Irv grew up in South Windsor, CT and graduated as Salutatorian of the Class of 1952 from Ellsworth High School in South Windsor. He then attended Trinity College in Hartford, CT. In January 1955, Irv enlisted in the US Army. After basic training, he served in Germany as a bridge and road construction specialist with Company B, 41st Engineering, 10th Division Corp. After his discharge, Irv began his 30 year career with the Southern New England Telephone Company where he worked in construction and installation and repair.
He was an exceptional athlete playing semi-pro basketball in winters and recreational softball during the summers. Irv married Mona Modean on July 11, 1959 in Manchester, CT. The couple made their home in Tolland, CT, where they lived for forty years. Their love of snowmobiling, lead them to purchase land in Sharon, VT in the early 1970s. Following Irv's retirement in 1987, they enjoyed exploring many places, both locally and internationally. They finally built a log home on their land in Vermont where they have resided since 2001.
Irv enjoyed gardening, hunting, deep-sea fishing, snowmobiling and bowling. He enjoyed the Sharon horseshoe league and getting together each morning with his "coffee buddies". Irv loved sugaring season and spent many hours "on the hill" at Billings/Morrill sugar house. He was a gifted woodworker who enjoyed using his creative talents. He was especially known for beautifully handmade cribbage boards that he shared with friends or made to order by request.
Irv is survived by his wife, Mona, a daughter, Beth F. Pimpinello and her husband, Jim, of Southbury, CT, a son, Eric E. Foster and his wife, Donna, of Sharon, VT, five grandchildren, Jason Hesse of Southbury, CT, Rachel Hesse of Middletown, RI and Emma, Leah, Katori "Tori" Foster all of Sharon, VT. He leaves a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Earl and Marcia Modean of Bend Oregon, and many nieces, nephews and close cousins.
Calling hours will be held Friday evening, February 12th from 5-8PM at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., VT. A memorial service and reception will be held on Saturday, February 13th at 1:00pm at the Wapping Community Church in South Windsor CT. Burial in the Wapping Cemetery will be at the family's convenience.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.


Service DetailsSaturday, February 13th, 2016 1:00pm, Wapping Community Church
Interment DetailsWapping Cemetery