Obituary of Cornelius D. Avery

Cornelius D. “Merle” Avery of Monticello, a retired employee of the Town of Thompson Highway Dept., passed away on Thursday, January 20, 2022 at the Garnet Health Medical Center in Harris.  He was 78.

The son of the late Cornelius J. Avery and Margaret Hulse Avery, he was born October 11, 1943 in Monticello.

Neil was an avid sportsman who loved hunting and fishing as well as motocross and harness racing.  He was a member of the Jackson Hunting Club as well as the Southwoods Sportsmen Association.

Neil is survived by his devoted wife, Elaine VanValkenburg Avery, at home; two daughters: Connie Avery Cheng & her husband Anthony of Livingston Manor, and Kelly Avery Leszccynski of Monticello; three granddaughters: Ellaina, Halie and Marlee; a sister-in-law: Debbie Avery of Monticello; two brothers-in-law:  Ralph VanValkenburg of Neversink, and Milton VanValkenburg of Grahamsville; and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother: David Avery, and two sisters: Ruth Price (John), and Marjorie “Sis” Price (Tom).

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 28 from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello with a funeral service starting at 2pm at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at the Budd Cemetery in Monticello.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital  www.stjude.org

Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com