Gerald T. Foster, age 68 of Owego, NY passed away Friday, February 24,2017 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital after a brief illness. He was predeceased by his parents: James E. Sr. and Katherine V. Foster of Endicott. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Cheryl Foster of Owego, his mother-in-law Velma Boyer of Endicott, his daughter Michelle Foster of Buffalo, NY, his son Michael Foster of Owego and grandson Jordan Hissin, of Buffalo, N.Y. He is also survived by one brother, James E. Jr. and Diane Foster of Endwell, and three sisters, Diane Ede of Endicott, Carolyn and Dr. William Wilhelm of Endicott and Valerie and Lon Barton of Liverpool, NY, one Aunt Mary Johnson of Georgia. Also many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many close friends especially longtime friend Ed Kovalchick of Alabama, Tom Pollak, Tom Arnold, Gordy Ruston, Bob Gault, Rich Avery and many more. Gerry graduated from Union Endicott High School, Broome Community College and the University of Hartford with a Mechanical Engineering degree. He had a long career as an engineer working for Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Raymond Corporation, Savin Corporation, Universal lnstruments Corporation, D&R Technical Associates and most recently for Ensco where he was assigned to BAE before retiring in 20L4. Gerry was a Navy veteran during Vietnam. He was an outstanding high school and college wrestler. Receiving a scholarship to Syracuse University after high school before suffering an injury. He then wrestled for BCC going to the JUCCO national tournament. He loved bowling, golf and billiards. His true passion was auto racing and antique British sports cars. His first success at racing came in his youth when he participated in The American Soap Box Derby for 3 years. He won the last Soap Box Derby held in Endicott in 1963 and went to Akron, Ohio for the national championship, competing against 263 other racers. He then went on to successfully race Go-Karts at a local and national level. He raced in the Skip Barber Series around the U.S. and owned a vintage MGA race car, along with his collection of MGA’s and MGB’s that he kept at his shop known as “Geezer Racing”. He was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed. Thank you to his close friends who supported him and his family during the last few weeks. Also a special thank you to the great staff and doctors at Lourdes Hospital who cared for him.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday 1 pm from the Allen Memorial Home 511-513 East Main Street Endicott, with Deacon Tom Harley officiating. The family will receive friends at the memorial home on Saturday from 11 am until service time at 1 pm. Ln lieu of flowers, donations in Gerry’s memory can be made to your favorite charity.