Robert H. Foster
April 28, 1937 – September 11, 2021
<a href="http://www.nationalcremation.com/locations/ruskin">www.nationalcremation.com/locations/ruskin</a> for the Koch family.
Robert H. (Air Bear) Foster, 84, passed away peacefully on Sept. 11, 2021. He was born on April 28, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pa. The oldest of four siblings, Bob joined the U.S. Navy in 1954 and served with distinction for 23 years in various aviation appointments. He saw duty on the aircraft carriers, USS Leyte CVS-32, USS Tarawa CV-40, USS Randolph CV-15, USS Essex CV-9 and USS Intrepid CV-11. He was also an aircraft and systems instructor during ground assignments and retired honorably in 1977.
After the Navy, he took a position as a flight instructor for the combined St. Pete Air World Flight School and St. Petersburg College Flight Training program in Clearwater, Fla. He eventually became chief flight instructor and an FAA Designee Flight Examiner. During his time there, he redesigned the curriculum to US Navy equivalent flight standards and was responsible for the oversight and training of some of the finest Pre-OCS military aviators and airline pilots in the world. He was revered by his many former students for his high standards and guidance in their successful careers.
He maintained close contact with so many of them throughout the years from all over the world. He then pursued his dream of flying for the airlines, including Braniff International, Florida Express, PBA Airlines and Dolphin Airways. He flew numerous aircraft during his career, including the BAC-111, Martin 404, and EMB 110. At mandatory retirement age from his airline career, Bob then started a third career, working for the Social Security Administration, Tampa, Fla. He remained there for 20 years, until his retirement at age 78, in 2015.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Anna Foster; sisters, Caroline Yarnall and June Briggs; brother, Stephen W. Foster. He is also survived by seven nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to Hospice of Sun City Center; Beth Israel Jewish Congregation, Sun City Center; Shriner’s Children’s Hospital; or the Masonic Lodge of Tampa. Inquiries may be sent to Brea L. Young, Segal Funeral Home, 3909 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, FL 33629, 813-874-3330; <a href="http://www.segalfuneralhome.com/">www.segalfuneralhome.com/</a>.
Services to be held, 09:30 a.m., Sept. 23, 2021, at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, Florida 34241.
Robert H. (Air Bear) Foster, 84, passed away peacefully on Sept. 11, 2021. He was born on April 28, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pa. The oldest of four siblings, Bob joined the U.S. Navy in 1954 and served with distinction for 23 years in various aviation appointments. He saw duty on the aircraft carriers, USS Leyte CVS-32, USS Tarawa CV-40, USS Randolph CV-15, USS Essex CV-9 and USS Intrepid CV-11. He was also an aircraft and systems instructor during ground assignments and retired honorably in 1977.
After the Navy, he took a position as a flight instructor for the combined St. Pete Air World Flight School and St. Petersburg College Flight Training program in Clearwater, Fla. He eventually became chief flight instructor and an FAA Designee Flight Examiner. During his time there, he redesigned the curriculum to US Navy equivalent flight standards and was responsible for the oversight and training of some of the finest Pre-OCS military aviators and airline pilots in the world. He was revered by his many former students for his high standards and guidance in their successful careers.
He maintained close contact with so many of them throughout the years from all over the world. He then pursued his dream of flying for the airlines, including Braniff International, Florida Express, PBA Airlines and Dolphin Airways. He flew numerous aircraft during his career, including the BAC-111, Martin 404, and EMB 110. At mandatory retirement age from his airline career, Bob then started a third career, working for the Social Security Administration, Tampa, Fla. He remained there for 20 years, until his retirement at age 78, in 2015.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Anna Foster; sisters, Caroline Yarnall and June Briggs; brother, Stephen W. Foster. He is also survived by seven nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to Hospice of Sun City Center; Beth Israel Jewish Congregation, Sun City Center; Shriner’s Children’s Hospital; or the Masonic Lodge of Tampa. Inquiries may be sent to Brea L. Young, Segal Funeral Home, 3909 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, FL 33629, 813-874-3330; <a href="http://www.segalfuneralhome.com/">www.segalfuneralhome.com/</a>.
Services to be held, 09:30 a.m., Sept. 23, 2021, at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, Florida 34241.