With deep love and heartfelt gratitude, we celebrate the life of Leslie “Errol” Foster, born in Jamaica, West Indies, in the Parish of Kingston, on October 18, 1961. Surrounded by his family and the peace of God, Errol entered eternal rest on July 29, 2026, at Plainview Hospital in New York.

Errol spent his early childhood in the loving care of his grandmother, Lillian Foster, and his devoted aunt, Geneve Foster Tobias, while his father, Hugh Leslie Foster, faithfully served in the United States Army. Their love, guidance, and unwavering support helped shape the compassionate, resilient, and spirited man he would become.

In January 1967, Errol immigrated to the United States to reunite with his father and family, beginning a new chapter together in the Bronx, New York. Growing up, Errol was full of life and laughter. He was known for his playful sense of humor and delighted in pulling harmless practical jokes on his siblings and cousins. His infectious smile, adventurous spirit, and joyful personality made him someone others naturally gravitated toward.

As a young man, Errol developed a deep passion for martial arts and physical fitness. During his high school years, he immersed himself in boxing, karate, wrestling, kickboxing, weightlifting, and athletic training. His dedication, discipline, and determination became defining qualities that would serve him throughout his life.

Following high school, Errol answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. During his distinguished military career, he rose to the rank of Sergeant and became a respected Drill Instructor, proudly well known as “Sergeant Hardcore.” Entrusted with the extraordinary responsibility of training and transforming young recruits into United States Marines, Errol carried out his duties with discipline, excellence, and pride.

He proudly served his country for approximately twelve years, completing WESTPAC deployments that took him throughout the Pacific, including Japan, Korea, and the Philippines, while also being stationed in Hawaii. Being a Marine was more than a profession to Errol; it was a calling and remained a source of tremendous pride and honor throughout his life.

After completing his military service, Errol embarked on another adventure as a long distance tractor-trailer driver. Traveling across the country, he found freedom on the open road and embraced every mile with enthusiasm. He genuinely loved his work and the opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of the country he had so proudly served.

Errol embraced life with unmatched energy, optimism, and passion. Music brought him endless joy, and it was nearly impossible to hear one of his favorite Earth, Wind & Fire songs without seeing him singing, dancing, and “movin’ and groovin’” with a smile that could brighten any room. His zest for life and ability to find joy in the simplest moments will forever be remembered by those who knew and loved him.

Errol’s greatest foundation was his faith in Jesus Christ. While still in high school, he and his family became members of Memorial Presbyterian Church in Roosevelt, Long Island, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He faithfully participated in Sunday School, Youth Ministry, and Bible Study, growing in his love for God and His Word. One of his favorite worship songs was “When I Think About the Lord,” a song that beautifully reflected his grateful heart. Although Atlanta, Georgia, later became his home, whenever he returned to Long Island, he treasured the opportunity to worship with his church family at Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Without question, the greatest joy of Errol’s life was his beloved daughter, Shawnett. Their bond was one of deep and unconditional love. Following Errol’s traumatic brain injury in October 2022, Shawnett became his unwavering advocate and devoted caregiver. She courageously navigated every aspect of his medical journey, working tirelessly with physicians, attorneys, social workers, rehabilitation centers, nursing facilities, and hospitals to ensure her father received the care, compassion, and dignity he deserved. Her steadfast love, sacrifice, and fierce dedication remained constant until his final moments. She was truly his greatest blessing and his unsung hero.

Errol leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved daughter, Shawnett; his father, Hugh Leslie Foster; his stepmothers, Pauline and Mama Rose; his siblings, Christopher (Lissette), Melissa (Walter); his brother-in-law, Bishop Roderick Roberts (Doreen); his nieces, Tia (Bill), Samantha, Rebecca (Eric), Rachel (Kevin), Lillianrose, Amelia, Azaria, and Mikayla; his nephews, Roderick Jr. (Nacresha) and Branden; along with many cherished aunts, uncles, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved sisters, Arleen and Marguerite; his grandparents, Lillian and Fitzhugh; his cherished aunt, Geneve; his uncles, Samuel “Sammy”, Desmond, and Enrique “Ricky”; and his cousins, Michael, Angella, Chris and Christian “Sahle”.

Though our hearts grieve his passing, we rejoice in knowing that Errol is now at peace in the presence of his Lord and Savior. His courage, laughter, unwavering faith, devotion to family, and joyful spirit will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know and love him.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness...”

— 2 Timothy 4:7–8