Obituaries

Billy Joe Foreman

Photo of Billy Joe Foreman
Billy Joe Foreman, age 85, of 235 Lestertown Road, Groton, passed away on Sunday evening, Oct. 13, 2013, at Fairview in Groton, Conn. He was born on April 23, 1928, in Fort Smith, Ark., one of 12 children born to Jesse Jonathan and Willie Ann (Matthews) Foreman. Billy was married to Anna Roman on April 26, 1952, in Boston, Mass. They had 54 wonderful years together before Anna passed away on Dec. 21, 2006. Billy served for over 21 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a chief petty officer in 1966. He was a commissaryman, initially trained as a baker, and served on seven ships, including the USS Yorktown, USS Sperry, USS Yosemite and several destroyers. He was very proud of his service and felt that he had contributed to the welfare of thousands of sailors over the years. He finished his naval career with a three year stint at the Naval Commissary in Groton. He was commended for his work there during which he showed a real flair for business. After leaving the service, he showed his continuing interest in, and support for, the Navy with memberships in numerous organizations including the Navy League of the United States, the Fleet Reserve Association and the U.S. Naval Institute. After his retirement from the Navy, he became a chemical operator at Pfizer Corporation in Groton. He worked there for over 20 years, retiring in 1994. Billy loved his life at Fellowship Manor. He became a member of the Odd Fellows Niantic Lodge #17, one of the sponsors of Fellowship Manor. He used the skills he had gained in the Navy and baked and decorated cakes for the Fairview residents and staff for their birthdays. He offered cake-decorating seminars and he baked cookies and cakes for the daycare center located on the premises. When he was not baking, Billy spent hours every day visiting residents in Fairview, who greatly looked forward to these conversations. He made many friends this way, and his daily visits will be greatly missed. Among those who added greatly to his life were Ruth Breslin, her daughter, Gail Breslin and his neighbor, Will Nelson. His dedication and work made him one of the first recipients of the Fairview Medal, presented to two individuals annually who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to Fairview over an extended period of time. He was a generous man who believed in supporting the causes he believed in. In appreciation for the many kindnesses shown to him and to his wife, Anna, while she was a resident at Fairview, he donated to refurbish a nurses' station in her name. A longtime animal lover, he cared for every stray cat that needed a meal and he faithfully tended to an array of birdfeeders regardless of the weather. He supported several animal shelters as a way of helping even more animals in need. Billy was an avid reader, especially of books concerning the Civil War and World War II. He had a large collection of books about naval history. He was happy to be able to see the Thames River from his apartment at Fellowship Manor and spent hours watching the Coast Guard cadets sailing their boats and the general traffic of boats moving up and down the river. His love of the sea never abated. At times a quiet man, Billy was a kind, gentle, hardworking man and he will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by two sons, Richard (and his wife, Rebecca) of Groton and William (and his companion, Joan Taraskiewicz) of Willington; a sister, Norma Rae Foreman-Smith of Springdale, Ark; and one granddaughter, Kaydance Rose Foreman of Groton. He was predeceased by 10 brothers and sisters. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. at Fairview in Groton. Burial with military honors will be in Colonel Ledyard Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be directed to Fellowship Manor, 235 Lestertown Road, Groton, CT 06340 or to Animal Foundation Inc., PO Box 7023, Groton, CT. The Byles-Groton Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.byles.com for directions, sign the guestbook or share a memory.

Published October 16, 2013

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