Claude Foster

Claude Foster was one of a set of twin boys born to the late Margaret Smalls and Calvin Foster on November 16, 1966, in Manhattan, New York. He spent his summers either on the basketball courts or on Morningside Park making lifelong friendships or with a family from the fresh air fund that lived in upstate New York that made such an impression on him as a young man. He was a very inquisitive and intelligent child from the beginning. So much so that he Graduated a year early from Chelsea High in 1983. He went on to study at Bronx Community College.

In the Spring of 1978, he would meet a girl on the basketball courts that stole his heart, Tracey Vega, together they had a daughter named Tynise but would later drift apart.

As a young man Claude would join the United States army, he said that he always wanted to serve his country. After serving Claude began working for a moving company, which he did for a few years. He always liked to impress people with how well he could pack a U-Haul and wrap up furniture. But his heart was in truck driving, he later went to CDL school to obtain his license. After receiving his license, he obtained different certifications so that he could drive various trucks in the field. He drove tractor-trailers locally and across the country for over 20 years. He would later get a job at Aqua Gulf where he was awarded driver of the year and was also made a trainer. To train and assist all new hires. He enjoyed collaborating with the people there. 

Along his path in life, he would have two more daughters Kiya and Cloey Foster.

Later in Claude’s life, his heart would lead him back to his first love Tracey and in 2018 he would move to New Jersey to be with her, his oldest daughter, and his grandkids. The love that they shared for each other was immeasurable. They were the true meaning of soul mates. They lived out his last days together.

Claude, better known as” ICE,” to his close friends and family was such a thoughtful and caring family-oriented person. He would go above and beyond for his family. He called and visited his close friends and family no matter how far they lived to show his love. He always stayed connected with everyone. He enjoyed family barbeques and getting together for the holidays. He was a big comic book fan, and he collected hundreds of them. He was excited for every Marvel and DC movie that came out. You could catch Claude on his days off spending his afternoons on his couch watching old black and white movies with his girlfriend. Or laughing at one of his favorite late-night comedy shows and playing his oldies sitting on his porch with his big speaker. He loved to spend time with his grandkids hiking or playing in the park. He was an incredibly special man to everyone that crossed his path. His energy is unmatched, and he will be missed.

Claude was survived by his twin brother Clyde Foster. His long-time

girlfriend Tracey Vega, and His Daughters Tynise Vega, Kiya, and Cloey Foster. His Sisters in Love Gracie Smith, Joanne Gardner, and Yvette Vega-Brown, and Sister-in-law Tamika Foster. His cousin in love NeNe. His grandkids; Mark, Derek, Jayce, Tyton Jett, and Dior. His nieces and nephews; Chaquille, Nichelle, Misha, Cachet, Landon, Micah, and Charlize. Hosts of cousins and friends that he grew up with and loved.

Claude will forever be in our hearts and memories.