Air Force veteran and Truro resident David S. Foster Sr., who earned a Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam, died peacefully at Cape Cod Hospital on July 10, 2024 with his family by his side. He was 90.
The fifth of six children of Leon and Edith Foster, David was born on March 5, 1934 in Manchester, N.H.
He graduated from Springfield (Vt.) High School and headed south to Key West. Two years later he joined the Air Force, completing radar operations training in Mississippi before being posted to the North Truro Air Force Base in September 1953.
After being transferred to Ramore, Ontario for a year, he returned to Truro in 1955. Two years later, he married Margaret Rich, whom he met at the Methodist Church in Provincetown.
David served in New Jersey, Labrador, Roswell, N.M., and Montana before he was again posted to Truro in 1965.
In May 1967, he was assigned to radar operations at “Monkey Mountain” near Danang in Vietnam. All Air Force operations over North Vietnam were controlled from there. David served as the noncommissioned officer in charge until the summer of 1968, earning an Outstanding Unit Award and a Bronze Star.
His Bronze Star commendation says that David “distinguished himself by meritorious service” and suggests that he kept a cool head under fire. He was also awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal with oak-leaf cluster. David retired from the Air Force in 1973 with the rank of senior master sergeant.
But his retirement did not last long. He and Margaret settled in Provincetown, and over the next 25 years he had a second career as office manager at Benson Young & Downs Insurance Agency. He and Margaret built their North Truro home in 1987.
David was a member of the Provincetown United Methodist Church, served on many of its committees, and sang in the church choir. He would also fill in for the minister at times, delivering the sermons if needed.
David served as president of the Provincetown Rotary Club and as a member of the Truro Board of Assessors; he was also a member of the VFW and American Legion.
He loved spending time with his family and was a supportive, kind, and loving brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. “His family trusted his opinion,” said his daughter, Debra, “and when we faced challenges or adversity in our lives, we would turn to him for advice.”
Late in his life, David took up cross stitching as a hobby, and he was good at it, “quick and accurate,” Debra said, “and with an eye for detail.” He did floral designs and surprisingly realistic portraits, which his family treasure.
David is survived by his wife of 67 years, Margaret Foster of North Truro; his children, Debra Souza and husband Craig of North Truro, David Foster Jr. and wife Stacy of East Orleans, and Douglas Foster and wife Christy of Eastham; brother Ronald Foster and wife Kathie of Columbus, Miss. and brother-in-law Fred Rich of Brewster; grandchildren Michael Souza and wife Cheryl of Burlington, David Foster III of Eastham, Ryan Foster and wife Jillian of Sterling, Va., Sarah Wardlaw of Marblehead, Claire Wardlaw of Newmarket, N.H., and Gabrielle Foster of Eastham; great-grandchildren Michael, Ella, and Violet Souza of Burlington and Graysen and Easton Foster of Eastham; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother Richard Foster and sisters Virginia Furbish, Marion Furbish, and Barbara Calhoon.
Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s name may go to Truro Fire & Rescue, 344 Route 6, Truro 02666; St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, or the Provincetown United Methodist Church, 20 Shank Painter Road, Provincetown 02657.
For online condolences, visit nickersonfunerals.com.
