Gordon Ray Foster

Gordon Ray "Doc" Foster, 87, of Liverpool, NY and formerly of Newfield, died unexpectedly on Thursday, February 16, 2017.

He was born September 16, 1929 in Ithaca and graduated Lansing High School class of 1948.

He entered the US Army on September 9, 1949 and was honorably discharged on October 25, 1952. For his sacrifice, he was awarded the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. In 2006 he was awarded, by Governor Pataki, the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross.

Gordon retired in 1989 after 34½ years at the Cornell University campus store where he was the manager of the Arts and Engineering Department. Following his retirement Gordon and his wife, Corinne, moved to Zephyrhills, FL for 12 years before returning to the Syracuse area in 2001. Upon his return, he worked in the dairy department for Wegmans, Clay.  

His true joy and greatest accomplishment was his family. He loved Christmas morning and would often be heard counting down the months until next Christmas. He was a former Little League coach, a volunteer fireman at the Newfield Fire Department. He enjoyed snowmobiling, motorcycling and outdoor activities. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, Giants and Rangers.  

Surviving is his wife of 64 years, Corinne Cooper Foster; a daughter, Barbara A. Durand (Stephen O'Brien) of Liverpool and a son, James Gordon (Rita) Foster of Camillus, NY. He was ‘Poppa’ to Kimberly Durand (Dave Thomas) and Kelly Durand (Justin McLaughlin) and ‘Buggy’ to Lindsey (Andrew) Lynch, Emily (Nate) Olson and Tyler Foster. He was also a loving great grandfather to Jayden Cromwell, Cooper and Finnegan Lynch and Eliza and Jameson Olson; two brothers-in-laws, Harry (Donna) Cooper, Jr. and Richard Cooper both of Newfield, several nieces, nephews and his feline companion of 22 years, Misty.

He was predeceased by a sister, Madeline Maybee.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at the Donald L. Barber Funeral Home, 5016 N. Main St., Homer. Burial, with Military Honors, in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Ithaca, will be delayed until spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. Foster’s name may be directed to the charity of one’s choice.

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