Francis Irving Avery Sr.

Old Town – Our father, Francis Irving Avery, Sr., 97, passed unexpectedly into the hands of God on July 11, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 9, 1925 in Old Town, the son of Burns L. Avery and Margaret (McAuliffe) Avery.

Dad attended Old Town Schools. He worked on Pinkham’s Farm during his high school years and until he enlisted in the Army during World War II. He rarely talked about his duties in the Army, but often recounted being on a landing craft headed to Japan, and just before they were to go ashore they got the news that the war had ended. He said that was one of the happiest days of his life and his fellow comrades. Upon returning home, he worked at several jobs until he started his final career as a logger working Alison Madden, then for Earl Sewall and Raymond Violette for many years. When that business ended he became a self-employed logger until his retirement.

He met and married the love of his life, Mary Olga Murray, on Valentine’s Day, 1945 and spent 66 years together before her passing in 2011. Over their years together, they built a wonderful life and family. Although times were sometimes difficult, Dad always managed to provide for his family. He loved hunting, fishing, and camping. Hunting season found him entering into the “Biggest Buck Contest”. The prize was never huge, but the rivalry was fun. Most of all, he loved his 6 kids, 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren. He took many of the grandkids camping, on trips to New Hampshire attractions, and out to his hunting camp where he and Mama spent time relaxing, planting gardens, and enjoying company.

For the past 5 years, Dad was lovingly cared for at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Bangor. The staff were like his extended family, and they enjoyed his banter, joking, and singing. We could not have asked for a better place for Dad to be in his last years of life.

Our family would like to express our sincere thanks to the Northern Light EMMC Emergency Department doctors, especially Dr. Westemeyer, and the nurses who provided outstanding and compassionate care in his last hours.

Dad will be sadly missed by his daughters Rosemary Simpson of Tolland, CT and Pam Kimball of Old Town; sons, Michael Sr. and his wife Peggy of Milford, Francis Jr. and his wife Brenda of Milford, Robin and his wife Judy of Greenfield, Gary and his wife Dianne of Old Town; his brother-in-law Thomas Murray of Philadelphia, PA; his sister-in-law Helen Avery of Bangor; and his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Dad was predeceased by his wife Mary; his sisters Phyllis Lozier and Ruby Theriault; his brothers Lloyd, Frank, Calvin, and Robert; his brothers-in-law Robbie, Percy, Simon, Charles, Norman, James, John, Robert, Ralph, and Paul Murray; his sisters-in-law Beverly Comeau and Pauline Kearney.

Friends and family may call from 1-4 on Saturday, August 5, at the Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Maine Street in Old Town where a Celebration of Francis’ life will be conducted at 2:30pm. Burial will be at Lawndale Cemetery on Monday, August 7, at 1:00pm with military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Maine Veterans’ Home Bangor Activity Fund, 44 Hogan Road, Bangor, Maine 04401. Notes of condolence may be left at www.birminghamfuneralhome.com