WESTFIELD – Albert H. Avery, 76, (1943-2020) 
of Westfield passed away on April 1, 2020 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Born on April 6, 1943 in Waterbury, CT to Evelyn M. Avery (Makarewich), Al’s family relocated to Westfield in 1955 where he attended public schools. He was a 1961 graduate of Westfield Vocational High School where he excelled in the machine shop trade, graduating at the top of his class with several awards and honors. After graduation, Al enlisted in the Army National Guard where he trained and specialized in artillery and received honors as a top marksman. Meanwhile, he continued working in local machine shops, where through a supervisor (and future father-in-law), he met and fell in love with his beloved wife, Judith E. Avery (Sloan), whom he married on September 6, 1969. Al and Judy resided and raised their two daughters, Jennifer and Sonia in Westfield. Highly regarded in his trade and known for his keen precision skill set and innovative problem solving, Al spent the majority of his career working for Berkshire Industries, Inc. in Westfield and Wilderness Mold, Inc. in Hatfield.
A humbled man with many talents, interests and hobbies, Al had a great passion for stock car racing and for several years he built dirt modified cars in his home garage. He spent weekends traveling to various dirt tracks throughout the Northeast with Lebanon Valley Speedway in W. Lebanon, NY being his favorite. In addition to stock cars, Al was an accomplished horseshoe player and was a member of Westfield and West Springfield Horseshoe leagues for several years. He had a tremendous fondness for music and enjoyed deep sea fishing trips, candle pin bowling, long distance bike riding, cooking, wine making, and creating unique and unforgettable memories with his family. Al was an adventurous and unconventional man who could turn even the most mundane into something exciting. He will be fondly remembered for his innovative handy-work, his wit and sarcastic humor, stubborn nature and wild imagination.
In 2017 Al was sadly predeceased by both his wife of 49 years, Judith E. Avery (Sloan) and oldest daughter Jennifer E. Avery-Knachel, as well as his brother, Edward H. Avery. He is also predeceased by his beloved mother, Evelyn M. Avery (Makarewich) and brother, Wayne D. Avery. He is survived, loved, and remembered by his sister, Eleanor L. Avery of Westfield, daughter Sonia T. Kulig (Avery) and her husband Christopher of Blandford, son-in-law Steven Knachel of Huntington, and his cherished grandchildren, Felina and Allessandra Knachel, and Brandin Kulig, who absolutely adored their “Pop Pop”. Due to gathering restrictions, formal services will not be held. A private celebration of Al’s life will be held at a later time. Al’s daughter would like to extend deep appreciation to his sister, Eleanor Avery and family friend, Lynn Marciel for their exceptional dedication and assistance in allowing Al to continue to live independently at home with dignity and comfort. www.firtionadams.com
