Hiram – Joseph Theodore Foster age 80, passed away on February 10, 2025, at home after a long and courageous battle of health issues. He was born September 28th, 1944, at his grandparents home in Yarmouth, Maine. He was the middle son to the late Chester and Gen Foster.
Before moving to Hiram, Joe worked on the family farm as well as working at the shoe factory in Freeport with his eldest brother. His family moved to Hiram in 1960, and this is where he met the love of his life Sharon Kimball for the last 60 wonderful years. They settled down in Hiram and raised their two children, Todd and Cindy.
Joe worked for Sharon’s family business Kimball Supply Company in Hiram learning the plumbing trade. He then voyaged off on his own starting his own company, Fosters Water Systems, where he serviced the local area as well as servicing many camps in the Sebago area for many years. But nothing fulfilled Joe more than sitting behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler. He first climbed into the seat of an 18-wheeler on his 21st birthday and continued to do so for close to 60 years. He drove in 48 of the 50 states (the last three states being within the past 5 years), traveled to every province in Canada and even hauled oil to the peak of Mt. Washington. He had millions of miles under his belt along with a story to share with each mile. All those miles were traveled with the use of paper maps and years of experience. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do from behind of the wheel of his truck.
Joe’s love for his community shined through with his involvement in various clubs. He was a Mason at the Greenleaf Lodge in Cornish and was a member of the York County Shriners. He was in the Kora Log rollers division, and you could always count on seeing him at the local parades driving his mini trailer truck. He also attended and assisted with the various Shriner Circus’s and took great pride in raising money for the Shriners Hospital.
He loved to attend auctions – Wheeling and dealing. He was a master at the barter system and could turn any purchase into a profit. You would rarely see him without a hat. He acquired a collection of hats from wherever he went. Upon meeting him, his first comment was quite often “Do you have a hat for me?”
Another passion of Joes was his tractors. He loved to restore old tractors with his son and eldest granddaughter and pulling them at various tractors pulls. The three of them were members of the Southern Maine Tractor club for years and along with the collection of hats is a collection of trophies and ribbons from all the pulls. They also pulled tractors at the Fryeburg Fair. The fair was a big part of his life. He attended every year, and he would work in various friends’ booths, bet on the “hay burners”, pull tractors and ensure that one of his grandchildren won a prize at the water balloon games. Joe made many friends no matter where he went. Most recently he enjoyed the local coffee shop to grab a coffee and donuts with his friends – The Breakfast Club.
Joe made an everlasting impression on everyone he met. His greatest pride was his family, and he made sure to brag about them every chance he got. Joe’s infectious smile, laugh and signature wave were all parts of him that left their impression on people. If you met Joe and was left with a nickname you knew you had a friend for life.
He is predeceased by his parents Chester and Genevive Foster, his brother Lewis “Skeet” Foster. Survived by: Wife Sharon Foster, brother Chuck Foster and wife Becky of New Mexico, Son Todd Foster and wife Tammy of Hiram, Maine, Daughter Cindy Grass and husband Brent of Hollis, Maine. Grandchildren: Shelby Robinson and husband Colby of Limerick, Maine, Breana Foster and her partner Zack of Hiram, Maine, Brady Grass and Fiancé Katie Ferrara of Windham, Maine, Cassidy Grass and partner Sam Orlando of Hollis, Maine. His Great Grandchildren: Twins Weston & Logan Robinson of Limerick, Maine. Many nieces and nephews and dear friends. He will be missed dearly by all those who were blessed to know and love him.
A celebration of life take place at the Hollis Center Church, 388 Hollis Road, Hollis, ME on Saturday March 1st from 11:00 – 4:00.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:
Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital
22 Bramhall Street
Portland, ME 04102
Or
Veterinary Care Foundation
www.veterinarycarefoundation.org/donate-today
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, Cornish, www.mainefuneral.com