Stephen Barber Foland

Stephen Barber Foland, 79, of St. Johns, FL passed away at home on August 16, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was ill for several years but never lost his wonderful spirit, positive attitude, and sense of humor.

Steve was born in Canandaigua, NY on February 2, 1945 to Robert and Janis Foland. After moving with his family to Orlando in 1951, he graduated from Colonial High School where he played drums in the band, as well as with the Falcons Drum and Bugle Corps, the Dixie Six, and as an extra in the Florida Symphony Orchestra.

While earning an AA degree from Brevard College, NC, Steve sang in the glee club and was a percussionist for The Echoes rock band, the college bands, and the Asheville Symphony Orchestra. After playing with the Marching Chiefs for one season, Steve received a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in Business/Risk and Insurance and a master’s degree in Vocational Education.

He married Kay, his high school sweetheart, on September 9, 1967 and began a career in Tallahassee, FL working in the insurance field. He later became a school Work Experience Coordinator. In 1970 Steve and Kay moved to Monticello, FL where Steve served as a DCT Coordinator, Director of Vocational and Adult Education, and then Assistant Superintendent for Operations and Support Services for Jefferson County Schools. In 1987 Steve took a position with the Florida School Boards Association in Tallahassee as Director of Risk Management. He moved to Tampa in 1994 to become Supervisor for Risk Management for Hillsborough County Schools. He retired from Erwin Technical Center in 2006 to begin living a lifelong dream of traveling full-time in a motorhome. Throughout his working years, Steve fulfilled his love of music by singing in church choirs, playing in a jazz band, a country music band, and a pipe and drum corps. His interests included cars and all sports, especially when he was watching his grandchildren play.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Debbie Boise. He is survived by his wife Kay, daughter Lisa Esmond (Mike), son Bill Foland (Tina), grandchildren Ryan and Zach Foland, Mandy Palmer (Kevin), Ally Miller (Khalid), Anna and Adam Esmond, all of St. Johns; nephew Ben Boise (Libby) of Marietta, GA; and many cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice and Palliative Care at https://the foundationcares.org/give/; Geneva Presbyterian Church; or Creekside HS Band Boosters, attn. R. Fowler, 100 Knights Lane, St Johns, FL 32259. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 14 at 2 PM at Geneva Presbyterian Church, 1755 State Road 13, St. Johns, FL 32259, followed by a reception at the church.