Michael W. Foster

Michael W. Foster, 60, of Rockford passed away Friday, May 19, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family. Born June 22, 1956, in Wolverhampton, England, the son of William & Marjorie (Johnson) Foster. He earned his degree in engineering from Oxford College. He married Mandy Griffin in 1980, and they moved to Rockford in July 1985. Michael was a program manager and dedicated employee at UTC Aerospace Systems (Sundstrand) for 32 years. He had a lifelong passion for rugby, playing in England then coaching both the Rockford Ravens men’s and high school teams. He liked to cook and enjoyed being outdoors, walking, fly fishing, and was involved in the British Boy Scouts Association. Most of all, he loved spending time with family.
Survived by his wife, Mandy; sons, Richard and Andrew (Tara) Foster; grandchildren, Madelyn and Alexandra; mother, Marjorie; sister, Pauline (John) Gavan and numerous nieces. Predeceased by father, William.
Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Friday, May 26, 2017 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, with the Rev. Randy Young officiating. Visitation Thursday from 5 – 7 p.m and 10 a.m. until time of service on Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation http://www.lungcancerresearchfoundation.org. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108. – Send online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com