William "Bill" J. Foster

Northfield.... Mr. William J. "Bill" Foster, 77, of Northfield, died at his home on April 19, 2020. He was born on Feb. 2, 1943 in Philadelphia the son of Frank and Isbell (McCelvaine) Foster. Bill was raised in Philadelphia PA and served in the Navy right after high school. Bill also worked as a Commercial Painter in New Jersey for many years and owned his own company with a close family friend. Bill eventually found a position with the Irby Construction Company installing power lines through the Northeast. This career brought him to his home in New Hampshire where he spent the last leg of his life with his wife Mary. Bill loved music, Willy Nelson being a musical idol of his. He made his own music as well, often playing his guitar or harmonica during family gatherings. Bill was a great cook except for his portions as it was impossible for him to cook for just his family, there was always an extra potato (or 10) in the pot. This, of course, was a benefit to anyone who lived in the neighborhood since he would often send plates of food to neighbors or invite others over to eat. Bill's green thumb had no limits, from fields of crops to delicate flowers to the greenest lawn on the block, Bill was passionate about making things grow. Bill was a lover of westerns, John Wayne films being his favorite. He was a private man, a rough man and he could be a difficult man but he defended his family with a ferocity like no other. Bill is survived by his wife of 35 years, Mary (McCrae) Foster of Northfield, his children Maria (Foster) Jacot, Virginia (Foster) Mastrogiovanni, Jason Gillan, Jay Foster, Penny (Foster) Keller, Colleen Foster and Mary K. Foster. Bill is preceded by his beloved son John Foster and beloved daughter Dawn Gillan. Bill has many grandchildren and a great grandson he is survived by as well. Funeral services will be held in the future when the health restrictions are lifted. Donations in his memory may be made to Paquette-Neun Funeral Home in Northfield who is assisting the Foster family as well as a gofundme page to help support the family with financial support during this tough time. Please write something in the online guestbook, the family would love to reach your stories, anecdotes and memories of Bill. Please visit the guestbook at www.neunfuneralhomes.com