Norman Deane Foster
1938-2015 of South Portland, Maine
He was the son of the late Winthrop B. and Arlene E. Trumbull Foster (Pingree). He was born at Portland, Maine and died at Gosnell Memorial Hospice, Scarborough on March 19 after a brief period of failing health. Norman is survived by and sadly missed by his partner in life of many years, Dorothy (Nag Nag Nag) Alward of Portland.
Norman is survived by his four daughters: Kelly Dalton (Curtis), Kathleen Gambale (Joseph), Michele Dragonis (Harry) and Carri Miani (Frank) all of Massachusetts. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Lindsy, Cadi and Nicholas Dragonis—Samantha and Grace Miani—Kaylee and McKenzie Dalton. Two brothers and a sister also survive, Carol Morton of Lynnwood, WA, Bruce Foster (and Betty) of South Paris, and Edward Foster of Windham, and step-brother Mickey Pingree and step-sister Margaret Felts of Cornish and Bridgton, as well as many special nieces and nephews who certainly know they were all loved by Uncle Normie or “Uncle Buddy.”
He was predeceased by his parents, a sister JoAnn Foster Baum (Thomas), and step-sister Faith Pingree Caire. He will be sadly missed as well by his Aunt Mary Harmon, cousins Joie Harmon (Greg Guerrette) and Nancy Harmon Kolias (George) and their families and Kit Foster (Colleen) all of Maine.
Norman grew up in Bridgton until his final high school years and graduated from South Paris High School, where he participated in sports, primarily football. During his high school years Norman was a fine musician, playing with the high school band in Bridgton from his years in junior high school onward, as well as with the Bridgton Town Band, and continued playing trumpet in South Paris. He attended Maine Music Camp several summers, and was invited to play taps at many Memorial Day services throughout western Maine. He graduated from Farmington State Teachers College.
Norman worked most of his life in the insurance industry. While working for Alexander and Alexander in Boston, he resided in Gloucester, Massachusetts, retiring there and where he formed deep friendships among the lobstering community and local residents. Norman returned to Maine in 2006 and had resided in South Portland. Most recently Norman worked as a contract driver for Yankee Ford as well as Quirk Chevrolet, both of South Portland. Lastly, it would be remiss not to mention someone who will miss Norman greatly, Robby Ferrante of Rudy’s Diner who was greeted by Norman every morning at 4:00 a.m. as he opened his restaurant.
The immediate family wish to extend thanks to the many friends and family members who have expressed sadness and support to us as we prepare to move forward. At Norman’s request, there will be no service at this time. This summer, the family plans to honor and celebrate his life at his favorite place, Gloucester Harbor.