Obituary of Wayne Thomas Foster

Wayne Foster, a kind-hearted and devoted husband, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, at the age of 83. Known for his warmth, gentle humor, and unwavering love for his wife, Inge, Wayne leaves behind a legacy rooted in love, simple pleasure, and steadfast loyalty to the things-and people- he held dear.

He found joy in the quiet moments; a shared morning coffee with Inge, a glass of wine in the evening, or a cold German beer on a warm day. To those who knew him, the love between him and Inge was nothing short of extraordinary – a lifelong bond filled with laughter, companionship, and deep affection.

A lifelong sports fan, he also had a passion for the New York Yankees - especially the 1956 team, the year Mickey Mantle won the Triple Crown. He cheered for the NY Giants with equal devotion, with a special fondness for the 1981 team and the arrival of Lawrence Taylor. Saturdays in the fall were reserved for college football, notably Virginia Tech football, which he followed with enthusiasm and pride.

Music was the soundtrack of Wayne’s life. He loved the timeless voices of Johnny Mathis, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Peter Alexander, as well as the unforgettable swing of Glenn Miller. Their songs filled his home with joy and often brought back cherished memories of days gone by.

Professionally, he dedicated his life to the care and beauty of the outdoors, spending his career as a Golf Course Superintendent at Roselle Golf Course and Rockaway River Country Club. His meticulous work and love for the game left a lasting impression on the courses he tended and the colleagues he mentored.

Though he may be gone, Wayne’s kindness, laughter, and deep love for Inge will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew him. He lived a good life, rooted in love, loyalty, and simple pleasures - and in doing so, he made the world a better, warmer place.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Inge, of nearly 60 years from Rockaway, NJ, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and partnership; his children Michael and wife Kathy of Potomac Falls, VA, Janice and her husband Rob of Rockaway, NJ; grandchildren Julie, Nicholas, Alex, and Noelle; brother Steven from Apache Junction, AZ; and extended family and friends who were blessed by his kindness, stories, and steady presence. He will be remembered with deep love and missed beyond measure.

If you would like to continue Wayne’s legacy in your own way, please consider making a charitable contribution to the American Heart Association or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. Donations can be made via inmemof.org.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 10:30 AM, with friends welcome to gather starting at 10 AM at Norman Dean Home for Services. A graveside service will follow to Marcella Union Cemetery of Rockaway. Please join us to celebrate the life of this incredible man, and please share a memory, leave a condolence, or light a candle to continue to let Wayne's light shine!