Foster Fargo, 1943–2019

Foster M. Fargo, Jr. of Lincoln, the beloved husband for 52 years of former state Senator Susan Cooley Fargo, died suddenly and unexpectedly due to a cardiovascular event on April 14. He was 76.

Born in Jacksonville, Fla., on March 3, 1943, he was the son of Ruth (Reed) Savage and the late Foster M. Fargo, Sr., a U.S. Navy pilot who died during World War II shortly after his son’s birth. Foster was raised by his mother and her second husband Harlow Dow Savage Jr., whom he adored, and lived in New York, N.Y., Riverside, Conn., and West Hartford, Conn. through his childhood years.

After graduating from Philips Exeter Academy in 1960 and Yale College in 1964, he completed a master’s degree in electrical engineering at MIT and an MBA at Harvard Business School. He worked in the emerging computer technology industry from the early 1970s and was an innovator in the development of computer display and output systems, in particular, of ink jet printer technology.

Foster retired in 2004 and committed his time to family. He was recognized by all who knew him for his unassuming brilliance and a kind, humble, stalwart presence that created spaces in which others could thrive. Even remote acquaintances commented on the twinkle in his eye.

Foster was an accomplished cook, an avid reader of mystery novels, and a wizard at solving complicated puzzles. He was a consummate putterer who could build or fix almost anything. Many in Lincoln will remember him mowing and tending the large meadow along Trapelo Road behind the Fargo home.

In addition to his wife, he leaves behind his devoted daughter, Amanda Reed Fargo of Lincoln; his proud grandson, Brady Foster Fargo (who changed his middle name to honor Foster), also of Lincoln; one sister, Seddon Reed Savage and her husband William Carl Cooley (his wife’s brother) of Concord, N.H.; his sister-in law Marcia Cooley Blevins of McMinnville, Ore.; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of Foster’s life will be held on Saturday, May 11 at 11 a.m. at the First Parish in Lincoln. A private burial will be held at Lincoln Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Trustees of the Reservation, Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts, or the First Parish of Lincoln.

Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. To share a remembrance or to send a condolence in his online guestbook, please click here.