William G. “Bill” Avery, Sr., 97, formerly of Burlington/Ulster, Bradford County, passed away peacefully at home Friday evening, January 26, 2018. Bill made his home these last years with his daughter Alice and son-in-law Leon Mosher, Sr. in the village of Stowell, (Laceyville) Wyoming County, PA.
Born September 6th, 1920 the seventh of eight children to William G. and Mary Dowd Avery of Wells Twp., Bradford County, the family removed to Lockwood, NY in 1924 where they farmed until the Senior Avery’s untimely death at age 48. Bill worked for many farmers as he grew to manhood, took any job available. When taking a job with his brother working a farm for a widow, Bill met and married Marian Alice Thorp of Daggett, PA in 1939. In the early 1940’s another farm job brought Bill to West Burlington, where he worked and purchased his own farm, the pride of his lifetime. A member of the West Burlington CO-OP; Bill also served for 18 years as a school director for Troy Area Schools. In later years he served as a bus driver 15 for years for parochial schools in Elmira, NY, retiring at age 77.
Born September 6th, 1920 the seventh of eight children to William G. and Mary Dowd Avery of Wells Twp., Bradford County, the family removed to Lockwood, NY in 1924 where they farmed until the Senior Avery’s untimely death at age 48. Bill worked for many farmers as he grew to manhood, took any job available. When taking a job with his brother working a farm for a widow, Bill met and married Marian Alice Thorp of Daggett, PA in 1939. In the early 1940’s another farm job brought Bill to West Burlington, where he worked and purchased his own farm, the pride of his lifetime. A member of the West Burlington CO-OP; Bill also served for 18 years as a school director for Troy Area Schools. In later years he served as a bus driver 15 for years for parochial schools in Elmira, NY, retiring at age 77.
Bill never met a stranger, and no job was too hard to take on. Known for his honesty and strength of character there was never lack of work. Bill loved his family, and was the favorite “Uncle Buster” to his special nieces Pauline, Gail, Virginia and Judy.
Don and Betty Wright and Merle and Doris Bacon brought weekly joy to Bill and Mary before health issues shut down the card parties. Card playing with family and friends brought much joy throughout his lifetime and especially these last years as his body would no longer tolerate his work ethic.
Surviving are children, William Avery, Jr. and wife JoAnn, Gillett, Catherine Clark and husband Rodney, Hillsborough, NJ, Alice Mosher and husband Leon, Sr., Laceyville, Carol Jenkins, Columbia Cross Roads, Connie Avery, Troy; 18 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren; 10 great great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins and Beverly Parmenter, Milan.
In addition to his parents Bill was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Marian Thorp Avery, brothers, Lucien and Franklin Avery, sisters, Idelene Avery, Genevieve Bernhard, Geraldine Steffen, Pauline Sterling and Lodema Roy; son-in-law Steve Jenkins, Laverne Parmenter, and very special companion of 18 years Mary Brehmer.
The funeral and committal service will be held Saturday, February 3rd, at 2:00 p.m. at the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home 217 York Ave. Towanda, with Pastor Michael MacWhinnie, of the Moxie Community Church, Wyalusing, officiating.
The family will receive friends Saturday from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Burial will be at a later date in the Roseville Cemetery, Roseville, PA.
Abiding with Bill’s request, contributions may be directed to the Roseville Cemetery Association, in care of Donna Baker, 104 Pumpkin Hill Road, Mansfield, PA 16933-9622 in his memory.
Memories and condolences may be expressed by visiting www.bowenfuneralhomes.com
Don and Betty Wright and Merle and Doris Bacon brought weekly joy to Bill and Mary before health issues shut down the card parties. Card playing with family and friends brought much joy throughout his lifetime and especially these last years as his body would no longer tolerate his work ethic.
Surviving are children, William Avery, Jr. and wife JoAnn, Gillett, Catherine Clark and husband Rodney, Hillsborough, NJ, Alice Mosher and husband Leon, Sr., Laceyville, Carol Jenkins, Columbia Cross Roads, Connie Avery, Troy; 18 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren; 10 great great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins and Beverly Parmenter, Milan.
In addition to his parents Bill was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Marian Thorp Avery, brothers, Lucien and Franklin Avery, sisters, Idelene Avery, Genevieve Bernhard, Geraldine Steffen, Pauline Sterling and Lodema Roy; son-in-law Steve Jenkins, Laverne Parmenter, and very special companion of 18 years Mary Brehmer.
The funeral and committal service will be held Saturday, February 3rd, at 2:00 p.m. at the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home 217 York Ave. Towanda, with Pastor Michael MacWhinnie, of the Moxie Community Church, Wyalusing, officiating.
The family will receive friends Saturday from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Burial will be at a later date in the Roseville Cemetery, Roseville, PA.
Abiding with Bill’s request, contributions may be directed to the Roseville Cemetery Association, in care of Donna Baker, 104 Pumpkin Hill Road, Mansfield, PA 16933-9622 in his memory.
Memories and condolences may be expressed by visiting www.bowenfuneralhomes.com
