Mr. Donald L. Avery

Mr. Donald L. Avery, of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, just two days after celebrating his 98th birthday. Born in Delanson, New York, on January 19, 1928, Donald grew up on The Avery Farm and spent much of his youth exploring family land in the Christman Sanctuary. Donald was the son of the late Ellsworth and Nancy (Christman) Avery. The Avery family was long rooted in New England tradition. Through his mother, he came from the Christman family of writers and poets tied closely to the New York landscape. A 1945 graduate of Schoharie High School, Donald played in the school band and performed the oboe solo in Scheherazade, one of his most memorable moments. While attending the Academy of Aeronautics that same year, he was drafted into the United States Marine Corps. He served during World War II as an aviation technician working on fighter aircraft while stationed in North Carolina until his honorable discharge. After the war, Donald completed the General Electric Apprentice Course in Schenectady, New York. In 1959, he transferred to the Pittsfield GE facility, where he was a toolmaker in the R&U and contributed to the Trident Missile program. He retired from the Ordnance Department in 1988 after 38 years of service. While traveling in Mexico City in 1959, Donald met Christine, who would become his wife and lifelong companion. After two years as pen pals, they reunited in Acapulco, where he sang “Stardust” for her. They were married in Mexico City on May 21, 1961. Donald and Christine enjoyed classical music and often attended concerts at Tanglewood. At home, Donald loved playing the piano for his family. His repertoire included “Always,” “As Time Goes By”, “Whispering,” “Clair de Lune,” and he often ended with his favorite song, “Ain’t She Sweet” played with a flourish inspired by Liberace. A hobbyist of coins, clocks, and wooden gears, Donald made coins for each of his grandchildren, often with them watching and learning beside him. He enjoyed traveling with his wife throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, Ukraine, Europe, Russia, and Egypt. He is survived by his beloved wife, Christine Avery, of nearly 65 years; his devoted daughters, Shirley Avery Paulino and Dr. Elizabeth Avery Gomez; seven grandchildren: Thomas John (T.J.) Paulino and his wife Lindsay, Jonathan Gomez and his wife Laura, Stephanie Carter and her husband William, Ashley Amanti and her husband Nicholas, Alexandria (Lexi) Greenzweig and her husband Joey, Christopher Paulino and his fiancée Brianna Perricone, and Russell Morgan; and seven great-grandchildren: Macey, Hudson, Jameson, Winter, Hayden, Colton, Sonny and another one on the way. The family would like to especially thank Alicia and the many caregivers who provided compassionate care over the years, helping Donald remain at home, as well as to the HospiceCare in the Berkshires Team, namely his nurse Evelyn, for their comfort and support. Funeral Notice: A private graveside service will be held in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations in Donald’s memory can be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires in care of the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Mr. Donald L. Avery

January 19, 1928 - January 21, 2026