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.