Raymond J. Avery

Raymond J. Avery, of Fairfield, chief executive officer of Avery Abrasives, Inc., died March 3 in his home.

He was the father of Cheryl A. Kellogg of Newtown.

Born in Bridgeport, Mr Avery resided there until 1942 before moving to Fairfield. He graduated high school at the age of 16. He enrolled in a state trade school and learned a trade in carpentry. When he was old enough to work in industry, the Allison Company in Bridgeport hired him. He continued his education in chemistry, attending night school at the Junior College of Bridgeport, now known as the University of Bridgeport, and took courses at Yale University and MIT. He moved into the lab to work on formulating rubber bonded cutting wheels. He then became plant manager and held that position for three years. He was then promoted to vice president of the Allison Company, and worked there for 24 years until the company was sold.

He then founded Avery Abrasives in Trumbull in 1959.

He served as a member of the Board of Directors of United Way of Eastern Fairfield County, member of the President’s Club at the University of Bridgeport, chairman of the Development and Fund-raising Committee Board of Associates of UB. He was also vice chairman, Board of Trustees of YMCA of Greater Bridgeport, member International Committee YMCA, member of the Board of Directors for Better Business Bureau, past president and member chairman of the Board of Trustees (ETRA) Employees Tuberculosis and Respiratory Association. He also served as vice president of Goodwill Industries of Western Connecticut, served on the board of Junior Achievement, and was a member of the Executive Board of St Vincent’s Medical Center.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame of Junior Achievement, a recipient of Governor Ella Grasso Award, State of Connecticut official citation in recognition of his involvement in helping the disabled and the elderly, for his active caring, concern for his community. He was also named Business Person of the Year by the Trumbull Chamber of Commerce.

Ray was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Shriners, and member of the Golden Hill United Methodist Church. Ray was known for his honesty, commitment to helping others, and his love for his wife and family.

He is also survived by his loving wife, Frances, of 63 years; two sons, Raymond A. Avery of Bridgeport and Craig F. Avery of Trumbull; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 10 at 10:30 am at the Golden Hill United Methodist Church. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Contributions in memory of Mr Avery may be made to the Joslin Clinic, 1 Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, or Hospice at Home Program Visiting Nurse Services, 765 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604, or charity of your choice.

The Spear Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield, was in charge of arrangements.

The Newtown Bee         March 10, 2000