Gregory C. Foster, Sr.

Born: 9/26/1951 Died: 4/4/2013 Mr. Gregory C. Foster, Sr. (Gregg), age 61, of Elkton, MD, formerly of Newark, DE, and New Rochelle, NY, passed away at his home on Thursday, April 4, 2013. Born in St. Louis, MO on September 26, 1951, Gregg was the son of the late Johnnie Marie Foster Travis and Robert Wilson. He proudly served his country in the US Air Force mastering in the field of Technical Engineer. In civilian life, he made his career as a Senior Technician with Verizon Communications, where he retired after over 25 years of proud and dedicated service. Upon his honorable discharge from the US Air Force Gregg settled in Westchester County and raised his family in New Rochelle & Mt. Vernon, NY where he was a beloved and active member of the community for over 30 years. Surely to be remembered as one of New Rochelle’s own local celebrities Gregg was easily recognized by his long dreadlocks and golden smile. Gregg could often be spotted driving around town in his telephone truck, or on the sidelines at his children’s football games, basketball games, softball games and track meets. He was always the “life of the party” at every cookout, card game and house party. He enjoyed a variety of pastimes throughout his life, including fishing, traveling, playing cards, entertaining, following his favorite sports teams but most of all trying new things and “living and loving” life. Admired for his great courage, personal integrity, and generous nature, Gregg cared deeply for his family and friends, and genuinely loved ALL people. His passion for life was an inspiration and he easily made lasting friends wherever he went. Known to his children’s friends as “Dad” and his special friends as “Big Gregg,” he had the wonderful ability of making all those around him feel truly valued and special. Gregg’s unique personality was evident in his quick wit, easy charm, smooth style and mid-western swag. His outgoing nature, endless words of wisdom, amazing spirit, and unbiased generosity will forever be remembered by every life he has ever touched. While Gregg will be sadly missed by the many people who loved him, he will be remembered by the many memories he shared and created with them. There simply is no one like Gregg Foster! In addition to his parents, Gregg was preceded in death by his first wife of 20 years, Jennifer A. Foster, and brothers, Ronald R. Foster and Charles D. Foster. He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Sophia A. Collins Foster; children, Damany A. Collins (Yhana) of Providence, RI, Gregory C. Foster, Jr. (Korrie) of New Rochelle, NY, Malaika “Sabi” Rubin (Quenton) of Elkton, MD, Janei K. Foster of New Rochelle, NY, and Rejon E. Taylor-Foster of Mt. Vernon, NY; brother, Warren E. Foster of Mt. Vernon, NY; sisters, Paula L. Foster of St. Louis, MO, Etta L. Darden (Jerry) of New Rochelle, NY, Angela K. Powell (Wilbert) of Belleville, IL, Terri L. Foster of St. Louis, MO; sister-in-law Janice Rice (Ulysses); brother-in-law, Ronald Ackridge; mother-in-“love,” Lucille A. Collins of Chicago, IL; and aunts, Clara L. Hamilton of St. Louis, MO, Annie Pearl Young of Chicago, IL, and Elaine Jackson of Newark, NJ. He was a devoted “Poppie” to his twelve grandchildren and great grandson and is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers- and sisters-in-law and many extended, beloved family members. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, April 15, 2013, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark, DE 19711, where viewing will begin at 10 am. Interment will follow at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE 19701. A repast to celebrate the life of Gregg will be held at Bentley’s Banquet Hall, 902 E. Pulaski Hwy, Elkton, MD 21921 from 1pm to 5pm.