Obituary
Rushville- Calvin H. Foster passed away at home surrounded by family on April 20, 2023, at the age of 91.
Cal was born in North Tonawanda, NY on November 5, 1931. He was raised there with his two brothers Don and Richard. Cal served his country in The Korean War. He married the love of his life, Mary Jane (Haak) on June 8, 1957. Cal, Mary Jane, and their children moved from New York to Pennsylvania, and then settled in Walpole, MA where they lived for 48 years before recently moving to Rushville, NY to be closer to family.
Cal is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Mary Jane Foster, his children Brian (Adrienne) Foster, Cheryl (Dennis) Hayes, Susan (Eric) Franklin, and Eric (Tami) Foster, as well as his 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Cal will be remembered for his unending faith and service to God and the church. Cal was a teacher, leader and disciple of Christ. He spread God’s word to the world through his years in prison ministry, as a Gideon, and member of his church council. He loved his family deeply and was happiest when surrounded by all of them. Cal worked hard to provide for his family, putting himself through college with a young family and then building his own company as an electrical engineer. This drive and perseverance was a lesson passed down to his children and future generations.
Cal was also a diehard New England sports fan. In his younger years you would often find him outside coaching ball skills to his children and then grandchildren, often schooling them in any sport on the field or court. Cal’s winning prowess extended to all table games and strategy as well. He remained Sequence champion through his last days, as his physical body weakened.
He was always there with a listening ear or imparting a valuable life lesson and he will be greatly missed.
A funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Penn Yan, NY on Saturday April 29, 2023, at 11 am. A private interment for the family will take place at Gorham Cemetery following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lutheran Disaster Relief, PO Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21297-1061.
Please visit www.kenperkinsfuneralhome.com to send a message of condolence to the Foster Family.
Services
Funeral Service
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church
Hamilton Street, Penn Yan
Condolences
Daniel Foster from Mesquite ,Texas on Apr. 25, 2023
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR UNCLE CAL HAS PASSED ,MY CONDOLENCES
Diana & William Hawthorn from North Tonawanda, New York on Apr. 25, 2023
Cal was always very pleasant and inclusive.
We will remember him fondly.
Elizabeth Lubnow from Norfolk on Apr. 27, 2023
MY CONDOLENCE TO MARY JANE AND FAMILY.
Steve Corpron from Stillwater, MN on May. 1, 2023
Some of my favorite memories of Massachusetts include Cal and the Foster family. Wishing you the best at this difficult and thankful for the time I was able to spend with Cal.
Sallie Barton from ATTLEBORO on May. 1, 2023
MaryJane, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Though I knew of the Gideon Society, meeting Cal put a definitive face on it. His annual church talk made it more distinguishing. And now I can't help but look for those Bibles in the motel rooms I stay in, paging through for any notes or memos from previous readers. I also admired his dedication to prison Bible study ministry. You two are very much missed and frequently mentioned, and only in glowing terms, at LCOR. My Best, Sallie
Doug Haak from Ottawa, ON on May. 17, 2023
I'm so sorry to hear of Cal's passing Mary Jane. I remember with fondness the dinner we shared when I was on training down in MA in 1991.
Judy Haak Foulger from Ottawa, Ontario, Csnada on May. 17, 2023
Mary Jane and family, my condolences on Cal’s passing. He certainly lived a faith-filled life and now shares the joy of heaven earned for us by Jesus.
Gordon Dayton from Gaylordsville on Jun. 30, 2023
My condolences to Brian, Adrian, Greg, Elyse and Jillian. I know your family appreciates all your support.