Deane Cheney Avery, 87, of Stonington, died early on May 12th surrounded by his family at Avalon Health Care Center in Mystic, where he had been a resident for several years. He was predeceased by his wife Shirley DeWolfe Avery, who died in August 2008.
His family may best remember him for his witty remarks and strong presence, but Deane, former editor and co-publisher of the New London Day and Commissioner on the State of Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission, was also an active member of the community. Deane served as a Corporator at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital from 1975 to 1993. He was also a member of LAMBS, Lawrence and Memorial Hospital Benefactors Society, from 1992-2009.
Growing up as one of 5 children in a family with local roots dating back to the 1600’s, Deane's connections to the community ran deep. He grew up in Groton Heights, within miles of where his ancestors had lived for many generations. After graduating from Fitch High School in 1940, he attended the University of Connecticut, but “found the academic environment too hostile". He jumped at the opportunity to enlist in the Navy and began training as a Naval aviator in 1942 at the height of World War II. While flying dive bombing missions over Japan from aircraft carriers, Avery's valor earned him two Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals. On May 11, 1945, he was taxiing an aircraft on the flight deck of the USS Bunker Hill when it was attacked near Okinawa. The ship was struck by two kamikazes within thirty seconds, and the ensuing smoke and flames forced him overboard as the ship sped away to avoid further attacks. He floated for hours before being rescued by a returning destroyer. Throughout his life, he maintained a close bond with the members of his squadron who survived the war, but rarely talked about his wartime experiences.
Born on August 13, 1922, Deane was the son of Ira and Katharine Avery. He was predeceased by his siblings Latham, Judy, Sally and Jane. He is survived by a daughter Karen Neild and her husband Robert of Mystic, a son Latham and his wife Beth of Old Mystic, and three grandsons; Josh and his wife Amy of St. Paul, MN, Dean of Santiago, Dominican Republic, and Latham Jr. of Portland, OR. He is also survived by three brothers-in-law, Robert MacDougall, Donald King, and Charles Shepard. Additionally, Deane has many nieces and nephews and numerous friends and former colleagues who were all important to him.
The family would like to thank the staff at Avalon Health Care for their care and devotion to Deane.
A celebration of his life will be held on May 22nd at 11:00 at the Groton Congregational Church, 162 Monument St, Groton. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Avalonia Land Conservancy, P.O. Box 49, Old Mystic, CT 06372 or a charity of the donor’s choice.