Paul E. Foster

Paul E. Foster, Jr. was born on August 30, 1943 in Boston, MA . Paul attended the St. James Parochial Schools as a youth. Subsequently his high school years were spent at Brookline High School in Brookline, MA.

Graduating in June of 1961, Paul was a serious student who earned honor roll grades. Determined to assist in the funding of his own education, Paul combined a rigorous high school academic course load along with a demanding part-time employment.

  As a student at Boston University, Paul again combined a demanding academic course of study along with part time employment.  Although the number of his employment endeavors are too numerous to mention, he took pride in his work as a part-time employee in the shipping department at the SS Pierce Company. Enamored by history and political science, Paul earned a Bachelor’s Degree in history at BU, and a Masters Degree at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. During his undergraduate years at BU, Paul was inspired by the teachings of such inspiring professors such as Murray Leven and Howard Zinn.

   A steadfast member of the Democrat party, Paul would make a number of volunteer campaign efforts on behalf of such political icons as Governor Michael Dukakis.

 A graduate of the ROTC Program at BU, Paul entered the army as a commissioned Second Lieutenant. Although he could have served in Europe, Paul’s patriotism and dedication led to his choosing service as an officer in the Vietnam Theater of War. Serving in a light armored Amtrak Division in Cu Chi Vietnam, Paul bonded with the Master Sergeant assigned to his unit as well with the enlisted men.

 Paul’s military career ended tragically when his Amtrak vehicle which was in the lead position struck an anti- tank mine in April of 1967. Every man on the Amtrak was badly wounded, and two were killed. Although he had to endure the pain of a metal rod in his left leg, Paul never complained. Subsequently, Paul was awarded the Purple Heart on April 23, 1967.

Paul’s thirty plus years of state service as a social worker

In the Department of Public Welfare were characterized by his commitment to the wellbeing of his clients and his dedication to the department. He worked at the Grove Hall Office as well as several others. He made most of client visitations on foot often in harsh weather. Paul was also a loyal and hard working member of the Human Service Union known as local 509, SEIU.

In his spare time, Paul enjoyed outdoor barbeques and family holiday gatherings often at mother’s house in Brighton. Paul’s family and friends have never forgotten his mother Ann, who was almost like a second mother to all who knew her.

Paul was an enthusiastic sports fan who closely followed the action of the Boston Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics.  Participating in the political life of Massachusetts, Paul remained a loyal democrat throughout his life. Going to movies, reading history and spy thrillers were also appealing to him. Before Paul lost his leg to due to his war injuries, he truly loved his hobby as a photographer. He not only took many photographs of people, but also of historical events such as whenever the tall ships came to Boston.

Funeral Services will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA this coming Thursday, February, 27, 2020 at 1:00 PM.  Paul will be buried there with full military honors.

  Donations in Paul’s memory may be made to one of the following venues: the Wounded Warriors, the VA Hospital in West Roxbury, or the Quincy Veteran’s Office in Quincy, MA.

Surviving family members include Cyrus and Helen Comninos of Dracut, Rhea Comninos of Baltimore, Joseph and Daphne Damplo of Wellesley , Paul, Lauren, Max, and Grant  Damplo of Easton, MA , Zoe Damplo of Boston, Edward and Zoe Ward of Stratford, Connecticut, Alex Jennifer, and Nicholas Ward of Danbury,  Connecticut, and Julianna and Jonathan of Northampton, MA

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