Michael Sean Foster

Mike was a pilot and flight instructor for over fifty years. As a teenager he bartered for flying lessons at an airport in suburban Chicago and became the youngest person, at the time, to earn a pilot’s license in Illinois. He began his career as a Naval Aviator attack pilot and retired as a Captain in 1993. He continued flying as a commercial airline pilot with Air Florida, People Express, Northwest, and Delta Airlines, flew recreationally as a FAST-qualified formation pilot, and piloted vintage aircraft, including the B-17 bomber, with the Collings Foundation until his death. He was a member of the Redstar Pilots Association and the Bald Eagle Squadron of the Association of Naval Aviators. Mike was a loving father and husband with a passion for life and aviation. He was loved by family and friends and respected by many.

He leaves behind his wife, Tammy, son, Liam, and his wife, Emily, daughter, Erin, and her husband Steve, and grandchildren, Matthew and Lily. He is predeceased by his sister, Mary, and survived by his sisters, Anne, Susan, Sheila, Elizabeth, and Ellen, and his brother, Dennis.

Informal visitation will take place Friday, October 11, 2019 from 5pm-7pm at Hardage-Giddens Rivermead, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32073 followed by an Irish wake at Azaleana Manor, 12 Kingsley Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073 from 7pm-10pm. A Graveside service with Military Honors will be held Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 2pm at Jacksonville Memory Gardens, 111 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32073.

The family asks that donations be made to the Collings Foundation in lieu of flowers.

May he forever fly in blue skies and tailwinds.