John Foster, 1923-2006

My neighbor John died on Jan. 30. He was 82 and lived two doors down from me on Baldwin Street. His wife, Cecilia, passed away a couple of years ago, and I worried about him -- she seemed to keep the household running. But after she died, family members came and went regularly. He was being looked after.

John almost always wore his Disabled American Veterans cap, and he told me he served in England in World War II. (According to his obituary, he was a sergeant in the Army Air Force.) I am grateful for his service.

John always -- always -- had a friendly word. Usually it was "Nice day!" I was fond of him, and of Cecilia.

Please remember John Foster.