Edward M. Avery Jr.

Edward M. Avery, Jr. 1920 - 2007 SPRINGFIELD - Edward M. Avery, Jr., age 87, of Springfield, died Monday, June 18, 2007 in Agawam. He was born in Springfield, son of the late Edward M. and Lillian (Johnson) Avery and was educated in the Springfield Schools. Ed was a United States Army Veteran of World War II serving in Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe, and had been employed for more than forty years at the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA), retiring in 1985. He was past Master of the former Springfield Lodge (now Wilbraham Masonic Lodge), a District Deputy Grand Master for Springfield 18th Masonic District, a Grand Lecturer for Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, a member of the Scottish Rite, elected to the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree, and a former member of the Legion of Honor at Melha Shrine Temple. His wife of sixty-five years, Mildred C. (Laino) Avery died December 7, 2005. Ed is survived by his children, Edward M. Avery and his wife Lynn of Springfield, Michael D. Avery of Acton, Debra Arnold of West Springfield, Keith D. Avery and his wife Carol of Ludlow, and Jean Tatro of Montgomery; twelve grandchildren, Eddy, Rae-Anne, Maura, Colin, Elisabeth, Daniel, Timothy, Mary, Nathan, Tucker, Casey and Alex; two great-grandchildren, Anthony and Jayson, and several nieces and nephews. The funeral will be held Thursday morning at 10:00 in the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street (Route 5), Holyoke. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Park Cemetery, Parker Street, Springfield. Calling hours will be held Wednesday from 4 to 7:30 p.m. with a Masonic Evergreen Service at 7:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner's Hospital, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104 or Baystate VNA & Hospice, 50 Maple Street, P.O. Box 9058, Springfield, MA 01102-9058.