Robert R. Foster

Robert (“Bob”) Richard Foster, 73, of Falls Church, VA, died September 14, 2017 in his home surrounded by his family after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

Bob was raised in Arlington, VA, where he lived for most of his life. After graduating from Yorktown High School in 1963, he went on to attend the University of Tennessee. Bob’s studies were interrupted when he enlisted in the Army to attend Officer Candidate School and served as a Lieutenant during the Vietnam War. After his tour of duty, Bob left the military to raise his daughter and begin a lifelong career in sales – most recently with Central Wholesalers where he worked for nearly 30 years.

Bob had an indomitable spirit and was always known for being the “life of a party.” His disarming nature made him successful in his career and endeared him to all who met him.He was remarkably devoted to his parents and cared for them lovingly through their old age. For many years he was known as the a family “ambassador” and made a point of attending the many weddings and funerals of his large extended family in Vermont. He was always there with a smile to extend a helping hand to his friends and family.

Bob was never one to give up easily. He was a “doer” and inspired those around him to reach for what they wanted. This attitude served him well during his first battle with cancer 15 years ago. He never stopped working or caring for others during his grueling treatment and survived against all odds. Though harrowing, this brush with death was a reminder to live his life to the fullest. Bob soon started a new chapter with his wife Anne – who brought him his greatest joy and cared for him lovingly to his last breath.

Bob was predeceased by his parents Belmont (Bert) Earl Foster and Elvira (Babe) Flavia Foster, his older brother Belmont Earl Foster Jr., and his son-in-law Thomas Russell Loftis. He is survived by his wife Anne Caroline Sellon, his daughter Stephanie Marie Foster, his step-children Christopher, Emily and Timothy Sellon and his sister Betsy Aaiyn Foster; in addition to three grandchildren Olivia Francesca Foster, Nicholas Foster Sessions, and Maxwell Solomon Loftis; and his nieces Kimberly Ann Foster, Amy Lynn Foster and Alyssa Foster Tabbutt.

A Service will be held to honor Bob’s life on Monday, September 25, 2017 at 4pm at Cunningham Turch Funeral Home, 811 Cameron St. Alexandria, VA 22314.

Donations may be made in his name in lieu of flowers to the Wounded Warriors Project. https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx? tsid=7672&ovr_acv_id=2698&campaignSource=ONLINE&source=BS17034&gcli d=EAIaIQobChMI7pu6rPez1gIVDzBpCh3MwwgMEAAYASAAEgLguPD_BwE