George J. Foster

George J. Foster, 87, a lifelong resident of Springfield, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, January 19, 2019 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Springfield on November 13, 1931, the son of the late James Foutrakos and Jennie Anthony Sheeha. George fought a courageous 2 year battle with cancer. He made his mark after a lengthy career in the automobile industry as a salesman, sales manager, finance manager and general manager. George over his career accumulated many awards for his superior salesmanship and forward thinking as well as making a GM training video on “how to sell”. Later in life, George went on to open his own used car dealership in West Springfield. George was an avid runner and enjoyed playing golf, swimming and playing racquetball. He was a long time member of the Springfield YMCA, and the Springfield Lodge of Elks #61. In addition to his parents, George was predeceased by his wife and the love of his life, Felicity “Chickie” (Gentile) Foster; his grandson, George E. Fontaine; and his sisters, Anna Pugliano, Katherine Stepanian and Mona Galanis and their husbands; as well as several other brothers and sisters-in-law. George will be lovingly remembered by his five devoted children, Jennifer (Foster) Shea and her husband Peter of Cape Cod, Debra (Foster) Fontaine and her husband Mark of Ludlow, James (Chick) Foster and his wife Mary of Springfield, Annie Foster of Springfield, and Mark Foster and his wife Katy of Wilbraham; eight cherished grandchildren, Christina Foster and her fiancé Ryan Light, Katherine (Fontaine) Kraus and her husband Kevin, Carolynn (Fontaine) Davis and her husband Jason, Matthew Foster, Eileen Foster, Anthony Foster, Annabella Foster and Vincent Foster; two adored great grandchildren, Hannah and Jaxton Davis. George was grateful for the love and care he received from his “angels” his daughters Debbie and Ann Marie, his daughter-in-law, Mary, and his granddaughter Katie. George’s funeral will held on Friday, January 25th at 8:30 AM the Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen St, Springfield, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony’s Maronite Church, 375 Island Pond Road, Springfield, with burial to conclude at St. Michael’s Cemetery, 1601 State St., all in Springfield. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Thursday evening, January 24th from 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, his family request that contributions in George’s memory be directed to the American Cancer Society, Centralized Memorial Processing Center, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 or to Baystate Visiting Nurse Assoc., & Hospice, Baystate Health Foundation, 280 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA 01199