Obituary of William Howard Foster

Port Allegany - W. Howard "Dewey" Foster, 87, of Port Allegany, passed away Monday (November 13, 2017) in the Lakeview Senior Care & Living Center, Smethport. He was born April 21, 1930 in Bradford, a son of the late Norman and Lena McKenzie Foster. In 1953, he married Nancy Gatesman, who died on Nov. 3, 1997. On Dec. 31, 2000, he married Sallyann Amell, who survives. Howard was a 1948 graduate of Bradford High School. In April, 1951, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in the Korean Conflict with the Heavy Mortar Co., 279th Infantry Regiment. He received the Korean Service Medal with a bronze star, Combat Infantry Badge, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1953. In 1961, Howard and his first wife, Nancy, moved to Port Allegany and became the owners and operators of Foster's Restaurant and Motor Court. Foster's was a very popular place with a wide range of steady customers and summer travelers. It was especially the younger crowd's favorite place to "hang out". Howard was a wonderful mentor to many of those young people. Howard worked as Prudential Insurance Agent, and then was the Milkman for Weimer's Dairy and Modern Dairy, respectively. In 1974, he began employment for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, working in the Bradford, Smethport and Port Allegany Liquor Stores. He retired in June, 1991. Howard was probably most well-known for his talents as a local musician. He began playing clarinet and then saxophone in the 7th grade. He played in many bands, including Nick Sinabaldi, the YMCA Kilte Marching Band, The Howard Foster Trio, Jack Wells and the Little Civics, Ron Tusing Trio, and RSVP. He could always be found jamming with all of the local musicians in the area. He was a member of many organizations. He was the current president of the PA Association of Retired State Employees (PARSE) for Cameron, Elk, McKean and Potter counties. He also belonged to the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #460, American Legion, and Lion's Club all of Port Allegany. He and Sallyann also attended the First Church of God, Eldred and delivered Meals on Wheels. Howard loved traveling, cooking and spending time with his family. In addition to his wife, Sallyann, he is survived by: one daughter: Jane M. (Norman) Smith of King, NC three sons: Wayne H. (Lenore) Foster of State College, PA, Dale R. (Kathy) Foster of Hayden Lake, ID, and Neil F. (Kelly) Foster of State College, PA. step daughters: Kimberly D. Kennel (Brett) Butterfield of Katy, TX and Kristi H. Kennel (Michael) Freeman of Port Allegany. 6 grandchildren: Cristen, Kelly, Tiffany, Evan, Nolan and Mackenzie 4 step grandchildren: Tara, Calvin, Dane and Gerad 5 great-grandchildren, 3 step great-grandchildren One sister: Erla Frick, and several nieces and nephews In addition to his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Bevin Foster, 2 sisters: Mary "Tootie" Smith and infant Norma Foster Family will be receiving friends on Friday, Nov. 17, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 105 N. Main St., Port Allegany. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 18 at 11:00 am from the First Church of God, Eldred, with the Rev. James A. Kazimer, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in St. Gabriel's Cemetery, Port Allegany. Memorials, if desired, may be made to First Church of God, Eldred, PA or S.W. Smith Library, Port Allegany, or a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany. In June of 1952 in Bradford, Pa he married Nancy Gatesman, she died on November 3, 1997. He later married Sallyann on , she servives. Howard ownes and opeated Fosters Restaurant and Motor Court form 1961 till mr. Foster was a well known local musician playing with the Ron Tusing Trio for many years