FOSTER, Kenneth J. of Dedham, passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on October 22 at age 77. He is survived by his loving wife Virginia (Diehl), and was a devoted father to Kenneth Jr. and wife Sheri, of Melrose, Kevin, of New York, NY, and Bryant and wife Inga, of Brighton. Kenneth was the beloved brother of Donald Foster of Weymouth and the late Arthur Foster of Braintree. He is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.
A graduate of Boston College - Class of 1957, Ken was an applied research physicist for Massachusetts defense contractor EG&G. He worked on projects in energy systems, aerial reconnaissance, navigation satellites, and nuclear flash vision protection systems. In the 1970s, Ken completed a graduate level program at the MIT Innovation Center. He went on to found ECON Incorporated, where he developed several window energy conservation products, as well as training programs that created jobs for energy conservation technicians. He holds a number of patents in the energy, optics and electronics fields, and products he developed were sold nationwide and in several foreign countries.
Ken was active in sports throughout his life, including football, basketball, tennis, skiing, sailing, and in his later years, a senior softball league. While he was a very competitive athlete, known from his football days as "Crashin' Ken," he particularly loved the social aspects of sports. He loved to host guests aboard his antique wooden sailboat, the "Vagrant."
Ken was for many years an active fundraiser and devoted leader in the charity Christmas in the City, which works with families and children living in shelters in greater Boston.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St. DEDHAM, Monday, October 28 at 9 am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Anne Church, Readville at 10 am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Sunday, October 27 from 3-7 pm. Interment Holyhood Cemetery, Brookline. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Ken’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St. Watertown, MA 02472.