OTEGO - Leslie G. Foster died at home, surrounded by his loving family on April 7, 2022.

Les was born in New York City on December 20, 1936, to EllaRae and Carl Foster and resided in Astoria (Queens) before moving to Kingston, NY, Willow, NY and Phoenicia, NY.

He married Lenore Georgia on June 23, 1962 at St. James' Church in Oneonta.

He is survived by his wife, Lenore; three children, Lance Foster and Ramona Tenace of Wells Bridge, NY, Scott and Wilhelmina Foster of Unadilla, NY and Victoria and Jeffrey Lane of Clifton Park, NY; five grandchildren, James and Hunter Foster, Saige Foster, Ryan and Megan Lane; sister, Kathy Gahan of Phoenicia, NY and nephew Quentin Gahan and his wife, Stacy and their two beautiful children, Owen and Audrey of Hamden, NY; his sister-in-law, Charlotte Georgia of West Oneonta, NY; and eleven nieces and 2 nephews.

He was predeceased by his mother, EllaRae Gregg.

Les attended Alabama University in 1955, served in the United States Army as an MP from 1958 - 1960 and came to Oneonta in 1961 as one of the original United Parcel Service drivers to open the center in this area. He continued to work for UPS while attending SUNY College at Oneonta to become a teacher, an early goal in his life. He taught 5 ^th and 6 ^th grades at Greater Plains Elementary School in Oneonta from 1966-1996 and enjoyed it thoroughly. He initiated the annual camping trip to the (SUNY Oneonta) College Camp for 6 grade students. For many students it was their first experience camping and learning about nature. He could never go anywhere in the area without seeing some of his ex-students and having them relate one of his funny sayings…like "Your what hurts?" or "Meanwhile, at the clinic."

He was elected as the first Democratic Town of Oneonta Supervisor in 1971 and served in that capacity until 1990. He sincerely appreciated the support and positive encouragement from friends and colleagues during his time as Town Supervisor. Under his tenure he promoted and accomplished open government in the Town of Oneonta, never letting politics get in the way of his commitment to the Town and his constituents. He worked with the City of Oneonta in developing Oneonta Public Transit, saw the first town-wide sewer system installed and was instrumental in bringing The Job Corps to Oneonta. The connecting road between the City of Oneonta (James F. Lettis Highway and the Town of Oneonta (Southside) is named after him (Leslie G. Foster Highway). He worked well with Mayor Jim Lettis and was pleased to share the road with him.

He was a past member of the Elks and Moose Clubs. Les enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and canning vegetables from his garden. He was an avid sports fan and a loyal fan of the NY Giants football team since the mid-1940's. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family, especially summers at Arnold Lake when his children were young. He had a few memorable trips out West hunting and camping with his two sons in Montana and Idaho. He adored his daughter and she was his companion at many political and town functions when she was a young girl. He instilled a love of gardening into all of his children.  Later in life he became a devoted, much loved "Papa" to his grandchildren, teaching them of life and taking walks in the woods. From an early age he made up funny sayings and his grandchildren will always remember the "dopey" things Papa would say with great fondness. Having all the children, grandchildren and family friends come for holidays or just get-togethers made him the happiest and created wonderful memories for all. His home was always open to his children's friends.

His family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the incredible care provided by O'Connor Hospital in Delhi, HCR of Oneonta and Helios Care.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.

A service celebrating Les' life will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 13, at Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, with the Rev. Kenneth Hunter officiating.

Interment with military honors will follow at the Oneonta Plains Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice or to the Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Online condolences may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com

The family requests that people do not feel obligated to wear black to calling hours or for the celebration of his life. He lived a colorful, dynamic life and wanted that reflected in the end. He would especially have liked it if some wore NY Giants or other sports related clothing.