Deane Cheney Avery

Stonington - Deane Cheney Avery, 87, of Stonington, died early on May 12, 2010, surrounded by his family at Avalon Health Care Center in Mystic, where he had been a resident for several years. He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley DeWolfe Avery, who died in August 2008.

His family may best remember him for his witty remarks and strong presence, but Deane, former editor and co-publisher of the New London Day and commissioner on the State of Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission, was also an active member of the community. Deane served as a corporator at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital from 1975 to 1993. He was also a member of LAMBS, Lawrence & Memorial Hospital Benefactors Society, from 1992-2009.

Growing up as one of five children in a family with local roots dating back to the 1600s, Deane's connections to the community ran deep. He grew up in Groton Heights, within miles of where his ancestors had lived for many generations. After graduating from Fitch High School in 1940, he attended the University of Connecticut, but "found the academic environment too hostile". He jumped at the opportunity to enlist in the Navy and began training as a Naval aviator in 1942 at the height of World War II. While flying dive bombing missions over Japan from aircraft carriers, Avery's valor earned him two Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals. On May 11, 1945, he was taxiing an aircraft on the flight deck of the USS Bunker Hill when it was attacked near Okinawa. The ship was struck by two kamikazes within thirty seconds, and the ensuing smoke and flames forced him overboard as the ship sped away to avoid further attacks. He floated for hours before being rescued by a returning destroyer. Throughout his life, he maintained a close bond with the members of his squadron who survived the war but rarely talked about his wartime experiences.

After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Deane began a 37 year career with the New London Day. He steadily moved through the ranks from a beat reporter in Groton, to editor and co-publisher when he retired in 1982. He served as director of The Day for several years following his retirement.

In 1985, he was appointed to the Freedom of Information Commission by Governor William O'Neil. He served as a commissioner for ten years. During his tenure, he was known to always have equal respect for government officials and citizens. This approach was apparent in the even-handed way he dealt with the parties appearing before him at commission hearings and meetings. He strived for impartiality and fairness and never wavered from what he thought was right.

Not content to sit still, Deane was enthusiastic and active in many other areas of his life. From an early age he had a love for horses, and over the years he had numerous Morgans on his Stonington farm that he rode with a distinguished and proper style. Deane and Shirley also enjoyed the company of many German Shephards who patrolled the grounds of their farm on Wolf Neck Road. He was an ardent conservationist and was active in the Avalonia Land Conservancy and in improving the wildlife habitats on his property. For many years, he and his beloved wife of 56 years, Shirley, could be spotted on the Mystic River rowing their shell or riding their tandem bike on River Road. Deane was often teased by friends and acquaintances that it was Shirley who was doing all the work; he rarely refuted the claims. Into the 1990s, he often flew his small Piper Cub airplane from Westerly Airport, with Shirley as his "co-pilot". He introduced many to his love of flight, and his yellow plane was often seen on weekends flying low over the area with occasional "dive bombings" of friends' homes. Even after a serious bicycle accident in 1997, he continued to embrace his passion for biking with the help of Rick Ely on weekly tandem rides.

In retirement Deane and Shirley were involved in various volunteer activities, most notably in patient transport at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital. They were proud and enthusiastic supporters of their three grandsons at games and events. When they moved to StoneRidge in 2004, they became reacquainted with many old friends and readily made new ones, and were well known to the residents and staff.

Born on Aug. 13, 1922, Deane was the son of Ira and Katharine Avery.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Latham, Judy, Sally, and Jane.

He is survived by a daughter, Karen Neild and her husband, Robert, of Mystic; a son, Latham and his wife, Beth, of Old Mystic; and three grandsons, Josh and his wife, Amy, of St. Paul, Minn., Dean of Santiago, Dominican Republic, and Latham Jr. of Portland, Ore. He is also survived by three brothers-in-law, Robert MacDougall, Donald King, and Charles Shepard. Additionally, Deane has many nieces and nephews and numerous friends and former colleagues who were all important to him.

The family would like to thank the staff at Avalon Health Care for their care and devotion to Deane.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. on May 22, at the Groton Congregational Church, 162 Monument St., Groton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Avalonia Land Conservancy, PO Box 49, Old Mystic CT 06372 or a charity of the donor's choice.

Please visit www.byles.com to leave a condolence note or for directions.