As a young boy, he witnessed the horrific Iroquois Theatre Fire in Chicago on December 30, 1903. Foy, who was brought by his father Eddie Foy, were saved, but at least 602 people died in what would become the deadliest theater fire in American history. The film The Seven Little Foys (1955) portrays this event.
While a young man in Vaudeville, Foy wrote the theme song for the
legendary comedy team of Shean & Gallagher, "OK Mr. Gallagher/OK Mr.
Shean." (Mr. Shean was Al Shean).
Survived by adopted daughter with Vivian Edwards: Mrs. Mary Jane Landstrom and three granddaughters; brothers Charley, Eddie Jr., and Irving; and sisters Mary Foy Latell, and Madeline Foy O'Donnell.