Leland "Lee" J. Avery

Leland “Lee” J. Avery, 68, of Oppenheim, New York, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, New York after suffering a sudden health condition several days prior. At the time of his passing, Lee had the love of his wife, son and supportive family by his side.

He was born on February 9, 1956 in Little Falls, New York and was the son of the late Leland J. Avery, II and the late, Jean L. (Bullard) Madison. Lee was educated at Oppenheim-Ephratah Central School and graduated with the Class of 1973.

On May 21, 1977, Lee was united in marriage to Brenda L. Young in Oppenheim, New York. The couple were married for 47 years where they raised their son, Shawn, in a loving home.

Lee began his career as an employee of Daniel Green Shoe in Dolgeville as a supervisor. After their closure, Lee then went on to work as a 911 Dispatcher for the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department where he was a Communication Specialist for 23 years until his retirement in 2018.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, four-wheeler rides and in the last several years, making beautiful corn hole boards. Lee was a member of the Little Falls American Legion Post 31, East Canada Fish and Game Club, past member of the Hilltop Volunteer Fire Department where he served as treasurer for 33 years, past Chief, and line officer for 25 years.

He also was an important participant of the American Legion Bowling Tournaments and the Friday night bowling league in Little Falls. Lee’s most favorite time was spent in the company of his cherished grandchildren, Jace and Ella whom he loved very much. A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Lee will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Lee is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda L. Avery at home; his son, Shawn Avery and his wife, Adrienne of Salem, NH; grandchildren, Jace Avery and Ella Avery; siblings, Alan “Skip” Avery (Gloria), Kevin Avery, James Madison, Scott Madison, Lisa Dillenbeck, Darlene Grainer, Charlene Link (Frank), and David Richards; his mother-in-law, June Young; two sisters-in-law, Amy Voorhees and Dawn Carpenter; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including close friends, Chad Walrath and Jeffrey Glanovsky.

He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Donald Avery, sister, Penni Rannals, father-in-law, Arthur Young, and brothers-in-law, Richard Voorhees and Bruce Carpenter.

A Celebration of Life Reception will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024 at the Little Falls American Legion Post 31, 100 West Main Street, Little Falls, New York 13365. The family will receive relatives and friends from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and a memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. where memories of Lee will be shared. All are welcome to attend and please wear flannels and jeans for Flannel Friday as a tribute to Lee.

The Avery Family is being cared for by locally owned and family operated, Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329, Cremations and Funerals.

Please consider memorial contributions to the Little Falls American Legion Post 31, 100 West Main Street, Little Falls, New York 13365 or Jack’s Place, 17 Rosa Road, Schenectady, New York 12308 or jacksplace.org and please note in the check memo, “In Memory of Leland “Lee” J. Avery” in order for the donation to be properly acknowledged.

To leave a message of sympathy for Lee’s Family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall or leave a photo or memory for his online memorial book.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leland "Lee" J. Avery, please visit our floral store.