Bennington, VT-  Richard G. Foster, 86, formerly of Rutland, VT, died on Sunday, May 20, 2018, at the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington.

He was born on July 12, 1931, in Barre, VT, the son of George and Zerella (Achilles) Foster.

He lived in South Ryegate, VT, attending school there, later moving to Peacham, where he attended Peacham Academy, played in McClure's student band and graduated in 1949.  He was very interested in music, played piano and saxophone, and as a hobby, wrote music and had a song published-a song for which his mother provided the lyrics.

He attended Worcester Junior College, Worcester, MA, was a member of Phi Theta Kappa National Honorary Fraternity, and graduated Cum Laude in Business Management in 1952.  He continued at the University of Vermont and received his BS degree in Commerce and Economics in 1954.

He served in the US Air Force for four years and was named Dover Air Force Base's Airman of the Month; was a personnel specialist, and was active in Dover playing in the Kent County Community Band.

Upon his discharge in 1958, he entered graduate school at the University of Maryland, College Park, and received his Masters Degree in Business Administration.

He was a manager for Howard Johnson's for 26 years, a salesman at Montgomery Wards for 13 years, and then for Sears, retiring in 2002.

He enjoyed all types of music and flower gardening.  He traveled throughout the world, often referred to as the "world traveler."

While at Howard Johnson's, he was a member of the Rutland Chamber of Commerce, The National Restaurant Association, and was a member of United Lodge #8, AF&AM for many years.

He is a member of Grace Congregational United Church of Christ.

He was predeceased by his two brothers, Robert Foster and George Foster, and by a nephew, Kevin Foster.

He is survived by many nieces and nephews.

At Richard's request, there will be no calling hours.

A graveside service will be on Tuesday, May 29th at 2 PM in the Jefferson Hill Cemetery, Jefferson Hill Road, Newbury, VT, with Pastor Earl Brock, officiating.