It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald William Foster Sr. of Poughkeepsie.

Born on July 19, 1936, he was the eldest of ten siblings and the son of Vere Burtram Foster and Edith Truby Foster. Ron was predeceased by his siblings, Gerry, Stephen, Gary, June, and Jean.

Ron Foster Sr. aka "Big Ron", grew up on Union Street in Poughkeepsie, attended City of Poughkeepsie Schools and spent summers diving for coins in the Hudson thrown from the Dayline.

On September 4, 1955, he married the former Emily Adelaide DeMartine, who predeceased him in November.

Together, they are survived by their three children, Ron Foster Jr., Renee Coon, and Randi LaGoy.

Ron was a hard worker and great provider for his entire family. Throughout his life he was a small business entrepreneur. He started in the truck route business delivering Milk, Diapers and Chips. He later went on to own a local neighborhood bar "Happy Jacks". In 1976, he would go on to start a flooring company, "Foster Flooring", with his three brothers and son. Ron was the patriarch of the Foster family, and his legacy continues on today. He had a great sense of humor and was a man of God. Ron and Emily attended Faith Assembly OF God Church. Big Ron loved his family more than anything and always "did the right thing".

Ron loved having a large family and he loved being around people. He was also survived by his grandchildren, Ami, Kevin, Jennifer, Joanna, Kendall, Ronnie, Jillian, Andre, Trevor, and Christian. His great grandchildren include Mia, Donnovan, Jayda, Wesley, Tanner, Wyatt, Hannah, Michael Jr., Adelaide, Audrey, Michael, and Bradley.

In Big Ron's own words "it's not goodbye it's so long ".

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Ron's life will take place at 11AM, Monday, May 20th at the Community Mausoleum at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet's Funeral Home, Route 9, Hyde Park.

To send an online condolence, please visit Big Ron's obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.