Robert Thomas Foley

Robert T. Foley passed away on April 17, 2025 of natural causes at his home in Portland, Oregon. He was 88 years old.

“Bob” was a larger-than-life character with an outgoing nature who was ahead of his time on many fronts. Growing up on Cape Ann, Massachusetts, his childhood was spent outdoors, fishing, clamming and foraging for berries. It’s no wonder that Bob would become passionate about healthy food and the environment long before most people knew what “organic” meant.

Bob was born in Gloucester, Mass. He graduated from Gloucester High School where he played golf and hockey before earning a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Bob also earned a MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He was an officer in the Air Force and greatly valued his time serving in Asia.

Bob had a successful career in venture capital, leading funds for General Electric and Merrill Lynch before retiring at age 50. He lived in NYC, Chicago, San Francisco and Gloucester. He moved to Portland in 2015.

Bob was happiest when experiencing primal nature and connecting with people. A howling snowstorm meant time to walk Teddy, his beloved Newfoundland dog. A stroll at Good Harbor, his favorite beach, was always best with a hurricane coming ashore. He spent decades exploring the wild rivers, mountains and deserts of the West.

Bob was a patron of the arts who particularly enjoyed music, photography and dance. He was also a spiritual seeker who studied buddhism, practiced yoga and took delight in growing flowers and vegetables in his garden.

Bob was planning his next adventure when he died. He was curious, never dull, always searching.

Bob leaves behind daughters Marie Foley-Quinn of Portland, Oregon and Alison Foley-Cardonsky of Lafayette, Colorado; and four grandchildren: Colin and Finn Quinn and Asher and Teddy Cardonsky.

You can remember and honor Bob with a donation to your favorite nature or art organization.

As Bob would say: Onward.