J. Nelson Foran
Jacob Nelson Foran “was a man of many passions,” wrote Richard Swift, his partner of 35 years. “His love and knowledge of the arts, especially opera, classical music, and ballet, were all a constant source of joy and pleasure for him throughout his life” and he “gladly shared that knowledge with anybody who cared to learn.”
Known as Nelson, Mr. Foran died at home in East Hampton on Friday with Mr. Swift by his side. He was 85 and had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma in January.
Born in Richmond Hill, Queens, on Aug. 19, 1931, to Nelson Foran and the former Nellie Daffer, he entered the Navy after high school. When he returned home, he moved to New York City and started a successful career in the architectural furniture industry.
A weekend visitor to the South Fork starting in the 1960s, Mr. Foran became a full-time resident almost 35 years ago, living first in Sag Harbor and then in East Hampton. On the South Fork, he began a new career in advertising sales, eventually retiring at the age of 70.
“He always loved the beauty and uniqueness of the different villages and hamlets that comprise this place he called home,” Mr. Swift wrote.
“He was a wonderful cook and host, loved books, museums, and traveling, especially to his beloved Italy, France, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico,” his partner said.
He was also “a great storyteller, and all his stories had a beginning, middle, and end that people would listen to with rapt attention and delight. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word with a courtly manner, superb wit, and irresistible charm. Beloved by many, a dear friend said of him, ‘his presence was golden, he had an aura about him that was contagious.’ ” Mr. Foran, “left the world a more joyful place for his having visited,” Mr. Swift said.
In addition to Mr. Swift, he is survived by two sisters, Carol Apkarian of Prescott, Ariz., and Kate Leder of Newport Beach, Calif., an aunt who lives in Patchogue, three cousins, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions can be sent to East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach 11978.