Richard Donald "Dick" Foster

Richard Donald “Dick” Foster of White Rock, New Mexico, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on June 8, 2023.

He was born July 20, 1933 in Weedville, Pennsylvania, the son of Joseph Foster and Clara Wolf Foster. He and Marilyn Cover were married on August 5, 1961, in Saint Sebastian Church in Akron, Ohio. They shared a beautiful 61-year marriage.

In addition to Marilyn, he is survived by three daughters: Mary (Greg) Valentine of Williamsville, New York; Dorothy (Mark) Silvanic of Monument, Colorado; Catherine (Bill) Brockman of Clayton, New Mexico; two sons: Joseph Foster (Shelli) of Monument, Colorado; Gregory Foster (Maria) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; nineteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Audrey, in 1930; an infant brother in 1930; and a sister, Leatha, in 1938.

After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University, he was employed as an engineer at Penn State. Following service in the U.S. Navy, he earned a Master’s degree in Engineering from the University of Akron and worked as an engineer at Goodyear Aerospace in Akron, Ohio; at Westinghouse Astronuclear Division in Large, Pennsylvania; and at Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Dick also earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of New Mexico. He was a registered Professional Engineer, Private Pilot, Real Estate Broker and a retired Naval Officer. He was especially proud of the unique slip-formed cement-stabilized adobe house he built with the help of his family in White Rock, New Mexico.

Dick volunteered with youth sports and was involved with various social justice organizations. He also served as the financial officer of his local church and was active at the White Rock Senior Center.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Los Alamos, New Mexico, on June 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to your favorite charity.

The family of Richard Donald Foster has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.   www.devargasfuneral.com  505-747-7477