Obituary of Mark S. Foster

Mark Stephen Foster passed away peacefully at his home in Southport, CT on November 9th, 2023 at the age of 66 after a 14-month battle with brain cancer. Mark was born in New Rochelle, NY in 1957 to his parents, John and Claire Foster.

An avid sailor and fisherman, Mark cherished his childhood boating experiences on Long Island Sound. He graduated from Tabor Academy where he distinguished himself on the sailing team before attending Tufts School of Engineering. He subsequently embarked on a successful 33-year career as a civil engineer at AECOM and retired in 2022 having helped lead key marine projects such as the Staten Island ferry slips, Battery Park flood resiliency project, and the New London State Pier.

Mark's commitment to boating extended beyond his profession. He was a dedicated member of the Southport Harbor Commission, served as Commodore of Cedar Point Yacht Club, and was an active member at Pequot Yacht Club. In these roles, he was instrumental in fostering community access to boating and notably led a successful campaign against a proposed oyster farm that threatened recreational water activities.

Mark met his wife, Carla, during Block Island Race Week in 1983 and they were soon racing many types of boats together. Mark had success racing sailboats with various family members, winning the Thistle Atlantic Coast Championship with his wife Carla and the Atlantic Nationals with his father John. Mark lovingly instilled the joy of sailing to his beloved children, Andrew and Bridgette. Nothing made Mark happier than sailing with his family.

Mark is survived by his wife Carla, their children Andrew and Bridgette, Mark’s father John, and siblings Dave and Janet.

Mark’s calm, humble, gentle presence and quirky sense of humor will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life service will be held at Cedar Point Yacht Club on Friday, 11/17 at 3pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Save the Sound or the National Brain Tumor Society in Mark's memory.