Warren G. Avery, 85, of North Haven, passed away peacefully on Sunday September 10, 2017 at Masonicare Health Center, Wallingford with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of 64 years to Ann M. Callinan Avery who was the love of his life; born in Norwich, CT on June 18, 1932 and was the son of the late Austin and Aurora Ethier Avery. A Korean War Veteran, Sargent First Class Warren G. Avery joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17. A year later he was captured and became a POW. He escaped and walked barefoot on snow and ice for two days before he came upon U.S. soldiers. Mr. Avery was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Korean War Service Medal with 6 Battle Stars, United Nations Medal, National Defense Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, the U.S. Army Unit Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster as well as the Purple Heart and Good Conduct Award. Mr. Avery was the National Director of the Korean War Veterans Association. He was invited back to Korea 3 times. He met with North Koreans at the DMZ line as they returned the remains of American Soldiers. He was instrumental in getting the Korean War Memorial built in Washington D.C and was invited to the White House by President Clinton as a thank you for his efforts. Warren was a New Haven Policeman for ten years and later a Truck Broker, owner and operator of Nu-Car Carriers. For many years he visited his grandchildren’s school on Veteran’s Day to share his story and his awards with the children. Warren loved gardening, woodworking and his grandchildren. His vegetable and flower gardens were adorned with wooden wind mills and whirly-gigs that he created in his cherished wood shop. He also built 3 grandfather clocks, a beautiful roll top desk, the cradle his grandchildren slept in and unique wooden bowls which he loved giving to family and friends. His kind heart, beautiful smile, twinkling eyes and jovial laugh will be missed by all who knew this true American hero. Father of Ann (Robert) Dempsey, Peggy Avery and the late William W. Avery. Grandfather of Meredith (Andras) Balint, Matthew (Amanda) Dempsey, Patricia (Erwin) Franz, William DePalma, Alex and Elizabeth Budinoff. Great Grandfather of Declan, Liam, Tyler and Rhys. Brother of Frederick Avery and the late Marion, Reynolds and Gordon.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Saturday morning at 9:30. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Therese Church at 10:00 am. Interment with full military honors will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Friday from 5 to 8 pm. Should friends desire memorial contribution may be made to Closer to Free Fund, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06510.
Ann and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a true hero and will be greatly missed by all. Ann I used to love hearing what art project he was working on when you worked with me, and your crafty, artsy side, clearly came from him. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Fondly
Melanie
“Big Warren”, a big man with a bigger heart. A guy who lived to spoil his grand kids, which he did so very well. May he rest in peace & God bless.
Warren and Ann have been our neighbors for 45 years. Warren we are going to miss you. You were such a good friend and neighbor, helping us and we helping you throughout the years. RIP in heaven.
Dear Peggy, Elizabeth and Alex…..thinking of you and sending strength, love and prayers your way. Never easy to lose those we love. We hope in time your memories will comfort you. ❤️
Peggy – Your father was a special man who touched the lives of so many people. He truly was a hero to his family and this country. God Bless him and your family. My prayers are with you. Im so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to you. Sending you my love. Nancy
Mrs.Avery,Sue,Peggy
i am so sorry about the passing of your dad.
He is now your angel.
My prayers are with you and your family.
My Deepest Condolences to you and your family Ann . A beautiful tribute to an American Hero…🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️
Ann and family, my deepest condolences to you and family. You dad was a very speciel man, he is with the Lord flying high with the angels watching over his loving family.
Ann, So very sorry for your loss. Your dad was an impressive man. May you always remember the good times.
Dear Ann, Suzy, Peggy and Family , I’m very sorry to hear of your Warren’s passing. I was fortunate enough to have had a good many laughs with him. I have wonderful memories that are alive still and will be all my life. He was a remarkable man. May you all find peace. Joseph
Ann I am sorry to hear about your dad. You are in my thoughts and prayers. What a lovely write up and someone to be proud of. Kathy
Ann, Sue, and Peggy
I am so sorry to hear about Warren’s passing. I miss him. I look out in my backyard and see the lighthouse he made me. We will get together as soon as Patty returns.
Love,
Ann Ruocco
Ann, Sue, Peggy and all family,
I am so sorry to hear of Warren’s passing. I see him so clearly. And yes, that smile and that twinkle in his eyes. He was an amazing man, hero, American…and so much more. I feel all you are feeling.
Miss Warren and thinking of all of you,
Love,
Patty
Dear Ones, I was privileged to have been Warren and Ann’s maid of honor 64 years ago. A few weeks ago I called to inquire of Warren’s health and was delighted to connect with Warren on the phone. While saying our good byes Warren said “Marie I love Ann more today then the day we married” and I thought Oh what a guy… My heart aches for my dear Ann, Sue, Peggy and the beloved grandchildren. Warren will be sorely missed my prayers and love, Marie Boyle Beach and Family