OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Thomas Walker Foss Jr., 71, of Old Orchard Beach, died Oct. 26, 2014 at Mount Saint Joseph’s Nursing Home in Waterville.
He was born in Holyoke, Massachu-setts on Oct. 19, 1943, to Thomas and Anne (Gately) Foss Sr.
Thomas attended school in Holyoke, Massachusetts, graduating in 1961 from Holyoke High. He graduated with an associate’s degree in agriculture from Stockbridge School in 1964 at the University of Massachusetts. During this time, Thomas boxed as an amateur for the Golden Gloves.
Thomas boxed for the Army during his service from 1965 to 67, where he earned the title of Middle Weight Champion for the First Army. He became a professional boxer in Portland and Boston for several years. Also, while living in Portland, he acted with the Portland Players in several plays, including the “Cain Mutiny” and “Late Love.”
He modeled clothing for store ads in Boston and New York for several years. His true love had always been horses, and he was owner of the Foss Farm in New Jersey where he bred, trained and showed horses for several years during the 1980s. Many also knew him for his outstanding career selling quality cookware and culinary equipment before his retirement in 2000, which resulted from his strong interest in healthy foods and exercise.
He is survived by: brothers, William Foss and wife Diane (Little) of West Springfield, Massachusetts and F. Andrew Foss of Orlando, Florida; sisters, Judith DuPont and husband Richard of Rotonda West, Florida and Deborah Foss-Heaviside and husband Fredrick of Naples, Florida; and several nieces and nephews and great-nieces.
As per family request, there will be no visiting hours. Burial will be at the Maine Veterans Cemetery in Springvale, Dec. 29, 2014 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Thomas’ name be made to one of the following: Beacon Hospice, 45 Commerce Drive, Suite 12, Augusta, ME 04330; Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 U.S. Route 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074; or to the EQUIS Foundation, 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880. Arrangements are by Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005. To share condolences online, visit www.hopememorial.com.
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