B. Lewis "Lew" Avera Jr.

B. Lewis "Lew" Avera, Jr., age 92, of San Clemente, California, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Becky Avera. Lew was a proud and loving father to Anne Shepperd, David Avera, Lane Carr, and Lila Goodman, and stepfather to Brent and Bryan Feathers. He was also grandfather to eleven cherished grandchildren, and two great grandchildren who brought him great joy. He will be remembered by his family for his unwavering devotion, and for the example he set through a life of physical fitness, service, leadership and commitment to education.

Born on March 7, 1933 in Ithaca, NY and raised in Decatur, GA, Lew graduated from The Citadel, after which he proudly served 20 years as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. His distinguished military career included two combat tours in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star with valor, signifying heroic achievement and acts of bravery in the face of danger. While serving, Lew also earned the Meritorious Service award for exceptional, non-combat achievement. Committed to personal growth, Lew pursued advanced education, earning a Master's degree in Personnel Management from George Washington University, as well as a Law degree and an MBA from American University.

After retiring from military service in 1975, Lew relocated with his family to Southern California, where he began a successful second career in operations management and consulting. His professional pursuits included: Director of Administration at Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher Law firm, Director of Operations at USC Comprehensive Cancer Center, Adjunct Professor at Redlands University and in 2002 ultimately retired as the West Coast Managing Director of Human Resources for PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he was widely respected for his leadership, professionalism, and mentorship.

Deeply committed to civic and community life, Lew found many opportunities to serve his community, including Foreman of the Orange County Grand Jury and as a member of the San Clemente Planning Commission. He served on the Board of Directors for BSA, San Gabriel Valley Council, Prudential Savings and Loan Association, Seacliff on the Greens Community Association, and Talega Maintenance Corporation. He was also actively involved in the local community through Casa Romantica, where he valued the arts, culture, and connection it fostered. A lifelong learner and social spirit, Lew especially enjoyed ballroom dancing and, whenever possible, could be found attending Friday night dance classes at Sway Dance Studio, a pastime that brought him great joy.

A visitation will be held at O'Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills, CA on Wednesday, 1/7/26, from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Lew will be laid to rest at Miramar National Cemetery in a private family service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Southern California Hospice Foundation, "Heavenly Home" (socalhospicefoundation.org), who provided such loving, and attentive care during his final days.