Robert A. Avery

Robert A. Avery (85), of 28 Bulkley Street, died Saturday, September 28. Bob was born on May 11, 1939, in Portsmouth, NH, the eldest child of Neil and Leona Avery. He was raised in Dedham, MA, with his brother, John, and sister, Jean. Growing up, he spent many summers with his family on his beloved Cape Cod.
As a student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Bob fell in love with western MA, and with the sport of running that shaped his life. He finished in eighteenth place in the 1962 Boston Marathon, graduated from UMass, and moved to Turners Falls, which he embraced as his own.
In Turners Falls, he met his wife, Virginia (Potosek), and enjoyed a long career at Turners Falls High School. Proudly embracing his wife's cultural heritage and traveling several times to Poland, he co-founded PASCO (Polish-American Sport and Cultural Organization). He also served Montague and the region in a variety of roles: he was town Assessor and active in the Democratic party, and he served on the original Building Committee for Franklin County Technical School and as Headmaster of Mariamante Academy.
He found his true vocation as a TFHS guidance counselor and coach. He started the Cross-Country program, coaching it and Track & Field for many years and taking great pride in the efforts and achievements of hundreds of students and athletes.
His fifty years as a teacher, counselor, and coach in public and private education were always a highlight of Bob's conversations and reminiscences. Bob's eagerness to serve his various communities was informed by a spirit of curiosity, compassion, and, always, great humor.
Bob's pride and joy in life was always family. He married Virginia in 1967, and they raised three children, Todd, Sue, and Cate. Bob was predeceased by his twin brother, Thomas, two weeks after birth; his parents, Neil and Leona Avery; and his brother, John. His sister, Jean Rebello, currently resides in Walpole. Bob leaves his wife and children and their spouses, Todd Avery and Gigi Thibodeau, of Biddeford, ME; Sue and Tom Scott, of Westhampton; and Cate Avery-Jagla and Dan Jagla, of Erving. His cherished grandchildren, Maddy (and her wife, Jenna), Ellie,Tucker, Jillian, and Abe (aka Buddy) were the joy of his life. He also leaves his beautiful great-granddaughter Sawyer.
Funeral services will be held Thursday 10/3 at 9:15am from the Kostanski Funeral Home, 1 Kostanski Square, Turners Falls followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10am at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 84 K Street, Turners Falls. Burial will follow at the parish cemetery in Turners Falls.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday evening from 4-6pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to TFHS Cross Country Team, c/o Athletic Department, Turners Falls High School, Turnpike Rd., Turners Falls, MA, 01376; or to Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, K Street, Turners Falls, MA, 01376.
For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.
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