Obituary of Charles Montague Foster

Charles "Monte" Montague Foster, 82, of Van Buren Road, Scotia, NY, died late in the evening Friday, January 16, 2009 at the Glendale Home in Scotia, NY, following a long illness. He was born in Las Animas, CO, on July 14, 1927, the son of Charles M. Foster and Marion A. Fisher. Charles was educated in area schools. Mr. Foster, with his wife, Marion, was the owner and operator of Monte and Marion Foster Antiques in Palatine Bridge for 56 years. He was a master carver, designing and creating a panel for the carousel at the Farmer's Museum in Cooperstown representing the Mohawk Valley Region. The panel depicts Kateri Tekakwitha. He was a resident of Glenville since 2006, and lived in Palatine Bridge for 59 years. Mr. Foster was in the U.S. Navy, serving in World War II (1945-46) as seaman first class. He received the American Theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal and Victory Medal. He was of Methodist faith. He was a founding member of the Mohawk Valley Art and Woodcarving Association. Mr. Foster was also an adult education teacher for more than 10 years, instructing in the art of refinishing. Mr. Foster was a committeeman, treasurer and assistant troop leader for the Palatine Boy Scouts. While he was troop leader he attended the National Jamboree at Valley Forge, PA, and organized a group of 20 boys and took them to the National Boy Scout Ranch in Philmont, CO. Mr. Foster was married on April 5, 1947 to Marion L. Egelston in the United Methodist Church parsonage in Canajoharie, NY. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Linda and Peter Pileggi of Burnt Hills, NY, and Cherie Bea and Gregg Reighard of Quakertown, PA; a son, Charles Gary Foster and his friend Donna of Swissvale, PA; two sisters, Marilyn L. Foster of Binghamton, NY and Jacqueline E. Yacobucci of Rochester, NY; two brothers, Roger A. Foster of Binghamton, NY and Jonathan D. Foster of Rochester, NY; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.