On Friday, Dec. 14, 2018, lifelong Grover resident Alvah Lamar Avery went home to be with the Lord while at Williamsport Hospital. He was 77 years of age. Born in Grover Aug. 15, 1941, he was the son of Gerald D. Avery Sr., and Lenora Mae (Morgan) Avery. For most of his working life he was a machinist, and was a retiree of the Parker-Hannifin corporation. On July 2, 1960 he married the former Barbara Leonard, and together they raised three children and shared 58 years. Alvah was a man strong in his faith, and was an active member of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Grover where he also sang in the Men’s Quartette.
He was a loving and caring husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather. Many people also knew him by his other identity, that of Santa Claus, a role he played at special events around his community. He loved it when the kids addressed him as “Santa.” He loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed golf, camping, hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed riding his scooter up and down the streets of Grover.
He was a loving and caring husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather. Many people also knew him by his other identity, that of Santa Claus, a role he played at special events around his community. He loved it when the kids addressed him as “Santa.” He loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed golf, camping, hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed riding his scooter up and down the streets of Grover.
Alvah is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara, at home, children Ellen (& Bill) Avery Gastrock of Northeast, Pa., Eugene Avery and Debora Avery of Canton, grandchildren Kelli Avery Wesneski of Canton, Terri Avery of Canton, Heather Gastrock Rowe of Northeast, Pa., Tyler Avery of Florida, Brett Gastrock of Northeast, Pa., and Taylor Avery of Flor., great-grandchildren Owen Wesneski of Canton, Morgan Wesneski and Logan Wesneski of Canton, Alicia Rowe, Amber Rowe and Aiden Rowe of Northeast, Pa., sister Eunice (Mart) McFall of Canton, Alvin “Butch” Avery of Elmira, and Richard (Katie) Avery of Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald Sr. and Lenora Mae Avery, brothers Gerald Avery,Jr., and Floyd Avery and nephew Alan Avery.
Visitation was Monday, Dec. 17 from 10-11 a.m. at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Grover, with a celebration of Alvah’s life at 11 a.m.
The family will provide the flowers and suggests that contributions in Alvah’s name be directed to St. John’s United Methodist Church, 16 Main St., Grover, Pa., 17735 (www.Morseandkleesefuneralhome.com)
Visitation was Monday, Dec. 17 from 10-11 a.m. at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Grover, with a celebration of Alvah’s life at 11 a.m.
The family will provide the flowers and suggests that contributions in Alvah’s name be directed to St. John’s United Methodist Church, 16 Main St., Grover, Pa., 17735 (www.Morseandkleesefuneralhome.com)
