Thomas E Foster

Thomas E. Foster Sr, 86, a resident of Wells Branch, passed away at his home suddenly Sunday evening, August 27, 2023, with his family at his side.

Tom was born May 1, 1937 in Arlington, MA, the son of Theodore and Phyllis Adams Foster. He attended Arlington Schools and extended his studies attending Hebron Academy before entering Tufts University and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. Tom always had a passion for sports. He played high school baseball and hockey for all three schools he attended.

He was a veteran of the US Navy.

Tom married his high school sweetheart and wife of 63 years, Deborah (Nixon) Foster and settled in West Medford, MA before building a home in Wells in 1986.

Tom spent his entire career in commercial banking. While living in the Boston area, he was employed for over 25 years with Bank of New England. He later joined Maine National Bank as a Senior Vice President in Portland and enjoyed being involved with providing financing to many businesses throughout the state. Tom then joined Citizens Bank in Portland, from which he retired in 2002.

Tom enjoyed all the sports he could watch, especially if his grandchildren were playing them including hockey, soccer, wrestling and lacrosse. He seemed to never miss a game and travelled as far as Ottawa for a hockey game or down into the Mid-Atlantic to watch lacrosse. He simply loved being around his grandchildren and their friends. Tom was also a devoted Bruins and Patriots fan and enjoyed every game including attending several Super Bowls.

Despite growing up in the city, Tom had a passion for the outdoors. He enjoyed spending time at Wells Beach with his extended family – especially enjoying the beauty of the marsh and the Rachel Carson Preserve. Central to his love of the outdoors was the Maine woods and the simple, one room family camp that was built on a beaver pond in New Vineyard, Maine. This property was a place that became and will continue to be a legacy for his sons and grandchildren and many close friends to enjoy camping, deer and bird hunting. or simply sitting on the deck enjoying the beauty and solitude of the Maine woods.
Other passions included riding his Harley on the backroads of Maine which eventually led to doing Harley trips all over the world with Deb (at times reluctantly!) on the back. This led to unofficial Harley trips throughout the US with a wide variety of Harley riders that became close friends. He also enjoyed skiing into his 70s at his favorite spot at the Jordan Bowl at Sunday River. A ski trip was never complete without a few beers at The Matterhorn. Tom also loved animals including hunting with his beloved Gordon Setters Charlie and Max and spending time with his cat, Sam.

Tom was a humble man and was known as “Big Tom” to his son’s friends, his grandchildren’s friends and many others. He wasn’t physically a big guy but he was “big” as a guiding figure to them and as a role model. He will be missed.

Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Deborah (Nixon) Foster of Wells, sons Thomas Foster Jr and his wife Rachel of Lyman, and Mark Foster and his wife Kim of North Reading, MA. Four grandchildren include Davis A Foster and his wife Bianca, Rachel E Foster, Bradley C and Travis C Foster, and three sisters Susan Perkins, Carolyn Hickey and Judy Pettinga.