Dennis Avery

Dennis (Denny) Garth Avery, 78, of Massena, NY, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025, after a courageous six-month fight following a tragic car accident on December 22, 2024.

Born August 11, 1946, in Massena to Teresa and Garth Avery, Denny spent his early years playing sports, stirring up mischief, and creating the kind of memories that turned into legendary stories. He graduated from Holy Family High School and jumped straight into what would become a lifelong career as a journeyman at Alcoa, where he worked until retirement. He was a steady, hardworking man with a work ethic as solid as his handshake.

Denny is survived by the love of his life, Marjorie "Margie" Avery, his wife of 53 amazing, exciting, laughter filled years. Together, they put thousands of miles under their tires and countless memories in their hearts. Whether it was road tripping across the country, setting up camp between New York, Arizona, and West Virginia, or simply playing pool and sharing stories with friends, they made every place they landed feel like home.

He had a lifelong love affair with music, especially the blues and could often be found playing his harmonica with soul. He rode his Harley Davidson with pride, skied across water and snow with ease, and never passed up the chance to tinker, fix, or build something. There truly wasn't a project he couldn't tackle, and there wasn't a tool he didn't know how to use.

A longtime member of a hunting club with his lifelong buddies, Denny valued friendship and tradition. Labor Day weekends were marked by his much-anticipated role presiding over the annual "Pig Pizzaz", a feast as flavorful and spirited as he was.

Above all, Denny treasured time with family and friends. He carried the playful mischief of his youth well into adulthood, and he never met a stranger. If you had five minutes and a cup of coffee or a cold beer you were in for a story. And likely a few laughs you'd never forget.

He gave back generously to his community, spending years volunteering at the Massena & Louisville Fire Department. He was a proud member of the VFW, the Sons of the American Legion, Red Knights International Motorcycle Club and other organizations that reflected his unwavering support and deep respect for law enforcement, the military, and first responders. Denny had also earned the title of Eagle Scout.

Denny was a lifetime member of St. Lawrence Church in Louisville, NY, St. James the Greater in Charles Town, WV, and Our Lady of the Lake in Lake Havasu City, AZ. His faith and love of community were constant no matter where life took him.

Surviving family members include his brothers: Lonnie (Susan) Avery and Steve (Nancy) Avery. His children: Luke Avery (Brie) of Saratoga Springs, NY, and Katy Kidwell (Mike) of Charles Town, WV. Grandchildren: Morgan (Robbie) Lawler, Jacob (Gabriella) Kidwell, Luke (Ally) Kidwell, Mason (Kylie) Kidwell, Avery Kidwell, and Brynn Avery. Great-grandchildren: Lainey and Brecken. He also leaves behind many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and an abundance of friends who were like family, so many, in fact, they're impossible to list, but all deeply cherished.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Avery.

Denny lived big, loved fiercely, and laughed loudly. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, and love that will be shared and remembered by all who knew him. His life will be honored at two upcoming gatherings, open to relatives and friends who wish to attend. Mass on June 19, 2025, at 2:00 PM at St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Charles Town, WV, followed by a celebration of life at 32 Spyglass Hill Dr., Charles Town, WV.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Lawrence Church in Louisville on August 9, 2025, at 11:00AM. A luncheon in Denny's honor will follow at the American Legion in Massena, NY.

In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the organization of your choice listed below:

LOUISVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

14818 NY-37, Massena NY 13662

MASSENA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

PO Box 6411, Massena, NY 13662

MASSENA RESCUE SQUAD

341 E Orvis Street, Massena, NY 13662

RED KNIGHTS INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE CLUB

https://www.redknightsmc.com/donate