Mark W. Foster

Leverett, MA. - Mark W. Foster, 64, of Dudleyville Road and a longtime resident of Averill Park, NY, passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at the Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, MA. After a hard fought 3-month illness.

Born in Troy, NY, Mark was the son of Charlotte Cole Foster of Averill Park and the late William E. Foster and husband of Whitney Irwin Foster. Mark was a graduate of LaSalle Institute and joined the Air Force in 1977 where he earned a BS in Fire Science, his education also included DOD Fire School at the USAF Chanute AFB, IL, plus a degree in emergency management, certification as fire investigator, and nationally certified fire inspector. During this time of active duty, Mark was a crash/fire rescue man where he began as a basic firefighter and went through the ranks to become Station Chief (E-5 Staff Sgt). Mark was Honorably Discharged in 1984 as a non-commissioned officer/Master Sergeant (E-7).

Mark served as assistant chief of operations at the Plattsburgh Air Force Base in Fire Service and in the Air National Guard until 1992. After his discharge Mark devoted his life to Fire Service. He resided in Westchester, NY and returned to Averill Park in 1996 where he joined the Averill Park-Sand Lake Fire Dept., was an advisor with the Explorer Post 911. Mark was a member of the Putnam Lake Fire Dept Benevolent Assoc. and the Disabled American Veterans.

After moving to Massachusetts Mark became involved with the Northwestern Mass Incident Management Team as Safety Officer and Division Supervisor. He was a peer support councilor with the Northwestern Mass Crisis Intervention team and American Red Cross. He became a member of the Shutesbury Fire Dept. where he served as an Engineer/Driver and Assistant Director of Emergency Management. He assisted in starting the Rescue Task Force in Shutesbury and offered “Are you Ready” classes as a certified instructor for FEMA. He was also a “Stop the Bleed” instructor, and one of his special achievements was when Col Kerry Gilpin of Mass State Police submitted Mark for the George Hanna Award for Bravery for saving the life of MA state trooper Mark Whitcombe on October 9, 2018. This award is usually reserved for law enforcement. He did however get presented the Mass State Police Public Award for the same incident presented by Col Christopher S. Mason. September of 2022 he was appointed Deputy Chief at Shutesbury Fire Dept. Mark was a longtime member of St. Henry’s Church in Averill Park.

Survivors in addition to his mother and wife include his children Travis M. (Sandra) Foster, Shane T. (Amy) Foster, his daughter Serena R. (Jack) Christian, as well as Catherine (Christian) Ahearn, Kimberly Hull, Xavier, Nichole and Michaela Suter, and Dylan Overholt; his sisters Anita F. (Kevin) Blair, Alison F. Hug and Alicia F. (Glen) Surpernant, his brother Chad W. (Dadera) Foster and his grandchildren Travis, Nevaeh, Josephine and Damien along with nieces, nephews, cousins and Aunts. He is also missed by his doting German Shepherd, Freya. Mark will always be remembered for his rare sense of integrity, humor, and dedication to his family and greater community. He will also be remembered for his many talents as an artist, linguist, and the ultimate walking encyclopedia of knowledge and experience.

Funeral Service for Mark with Departmental Honors will be 10:30 am Friday June 30, 2023, at St. Henry’s Church 32 Old Rte. 66 Averill Park where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered.

Relatives and friends are invited to call 4-7 pm on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at the Perry-Komdat Funeral Chapel 2691 NY 43 at Glass Lake, Averill Park.

It is desired that donations in memory of Mark W. Foster be made to the Shutesbury Fire Dept. PO Box 295, 42 Leverett Rd, Shutesbury MA 01072; for the purpose of purchasing Class A uniforms for Dept. members.

Visit www.perrykomdat.com for directions and a guestbook.