Charles Peter Avery, 81, of 385 West Center Street, Manchester, passed away on Saturday (March 6, 2010) at Hartford Hospital while surrounded by his children. He was the loving husband of the late Carmenita Colletti Avery for 40 years and the father of Peter Avery and his wife Rossella of Wethersfield, Patricia Avery and her fiancé James Woods of Manchester, Kathleen Tuley and her husband Michael of Tolland, and John Avery and his wife Kerry of South Windsor. He was predeceased by his stepson John Colletti of Tampa, Florida. Charles was born March 7, 1928, in Hartford to the late Helen Avery (Hillier) and was lovingly raised by the late Aubrey and Muriel Randall of Hartford with their children Arthur, Pearl (Toni), Stanley and Aubrey (Raymond). He was a long time resident of Manchester. Charles served in the Army National Guard from 1947 until 1949. He enjoyed a long and successful career as an automotive, truck, and heavy equipment mechanic. After retiring he worked for 6 years as a school crossing guard in the town of Manchester. He and Carmenita then moved to and lived in Spring Hill, Florida for 2 years before his return to Connecticut following her death. His hobbies have included motorcycles, a private pilot license, target shooting, amateur radio, woodworking, canoeing and playing his harmonica. Charles is also survived by a brother Frederick Hillier and his wife Pat of Simsbury, a sister Carolyn Hillier of Newington, and his grandchildren Cheryl, Robyn, Michael, Lisa, Amanda, Tyler, Erica, Matthew, Alex, Samantha, Daniel, Laura and Megan. He will also be missed by many brothers-in-law, sisters in-law, nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, March 10, at 11 a.m. at the Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester, with burial to follow in the Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford. Visiting hours are Tuesday from 5-8 pm at the funeral home.
Published in the Hartford Courant on March 8, 2010.