Richard Williams Avery, 74, a longtime resident of Chester, NH, died Wednesday surrounded by his loving family. Richard was born August 11, 1935 in Norwich, CT to the late Arthur and Charlotte (Fellows) Avery and was a graduate of the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, where he received his degree in Electrical Engineering.
Mr. Avery worked for the former Bell Telephone Systems for over 35 years until his retirement in 1990 as an electrical engineer. Upon his retirement, he took up his second passion in life, his farming. He sold vegetables and flowers in front of his home and people enjoyed the fruits of his small apple orchard. He was a Charter member of the Pelham Lion’s Club and a longtime active member of the Chester Congregational Church, where he served on many committees and boards. He served his country proudly in the United States Navy, but his most proud accomplishment came in the shape of his loving family.
Richard leaves his beloved wife of 50 years, Dorothy (Ward) Avery, along with their two devoted children, Laurie Paolino and her husband Gerard of Stratham, NH and John Avery and his wife Karen of Allenstown, NH. He also leaves his two cherished grandchildren, Jordan and Jenna Caley. He was predeceased by a brother, Franklin Avery and a sister, Phyllis Beres.
The funeral ceremonies were held Saturday, April 24, 2010 at 2p.m. at the Chester Congregational Church, 4 Chester St., Chester. Interment with military honors followed in Great Hill Cemetery. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium of Derry are respectfully handling all arrangements for the Avery family. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Alzheimer’s Association, One Bedford Farms Dr., Suite 105, Bedford, NH 03110.