SOUTH PORTLAND — Philip Edward Foster, 81, passed away after a long illness on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011 at the Veterans Home in Scarborough.

Philip was born, April 8, 1929 in South Portland, the son of the late Lester and Rose (Mossey) Foster. He graduated from South Portland High School and enlisted in the United States Army in April of 1946. He graduated from the Unites States Military Police School at Brake, Germany in 1946. He served as a member of 793rd Military Police Battalion at Nurnberg, Germany from 1946 to 1949. He arrived in Japan in January of 1950 as combat Infantryman and member of the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon. He served as a member of 5th Calvary Regiment, 1st Calvary Division during the Korean Conflict from July 1950 to November 1951. He retired from the United States Army on Sept. 17, 1952 at Fort Dix, N.J. He served in various components of the Maine National Guard and the United States Army Reserves from 1954 until 1970. He retired from the United States Army Reserves on April 28, 1970. Philip joined the South Portland Police Department in April of 1958 and retired as a lieutenant in 1979. During retirement, he accepted the position of Director of Security at The Maine Mall from 1979 until 1987.

Philip was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 832 South Portland and Deering Memorial Post 6859, Portland, member of the American Legion, Harold T. Andrews Post 17, the Non-Commissioned Officers Association, United States Coast Guard Station and the Benevolent Protective Order of ELKS Lodge 188 Portland. He was an active member of the Democratic Party. He was also an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan.

Philip was predeceased by his wife, Jaqueline Foster in July of 2001; son, Philip Foster; nine siblings.

Philip is survived by his children, Mary Amoroso of Raymond, Julie Foster of Windham, Madelyn Parechanian of Raymond, Michelle LaBerge of South Portland, Daniel Foster of Portland and Gerlinde Renner of Nurnberg, Germany; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nephews.

Visitation was held on Monday, Jan. 17, 2011 at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011 at the funeral home. Interment followed in Calvary Cemetery. Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Philip’s guest book.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Ste 300, Topsham, ME 04086.