Obituary: Avery Wilcox Lamphier, 95

Obituary courtesy of Hickcox Funeral Home

Middlebury, CT - Avery Wilcox Lamphier, 95, beloved husband of the late Jane (Barlow) Lamphier, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 23, 2020. Avery was born on December 7, 1924 to the late Ada (Skilton) and State Senator, Eugene H. Lamphier, at their family homestead on Main Street, Watertown.

Avery grew up in Watertown and attended South School and Watertown High School before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served his country during WWII in the Pacific Theatre, while fighting fierce battles in Tarawa, Guam, and Okinawa. He was honorably discharged as an acting Corporal in December 1945. Avery was extremely proud to be a Marine and loved when his phone would ring to the Marines’ Hymn. He loved the camaraderie amongst his fellow Marines. Avery also proudly wore his Marine hat and pin throughout his life. When he returned home from the war, he became Commander of the Watertown VFW Post 5157. Avery was also a member of VFW Post 7330 and American Legion Post 195. He was extremely patriotic and proudly raised the American Flag every day at his home.

Avery was voted into the Watertown Fire Department in 1944 while serving overseas. When he returned, he worked on the family farm prior to working at Pratt and Whitney’s Aircraft Division Fire Department as a fire inspector. He remained working there until he was elected Chief and Fire Marshal of the Watertown Fire Department, after serving as Lieutenant, Captain, and Deputy Chief. He distinctively served as Chief and Fire Marshal for 27 consecutive years, along with his deputy, Charles “Buddy” Judd.

Avery had many accomplishments while serving as Chief including the planning and construction of Company 2 (Oakville), being one of the founders and instructors of the Burrville and Wolcott Fire Schools, as well, getting inducted into the first class of the CT State Firefighters Association Hall of Fame. This profound achievement recognized members of the fire service who contributed to the advancement of the fire service locally, statewide, and nationally. He was the past President of the CT Fire Chiefs Association, a member of the National Fire Protection Association, a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and a member of the New England Association of Fire Chiefs, amongst many other accomplishments and associations. The Avery W. Lamphier Athletic Complex at Veterans’ Memorial Park was dedicated to Avery for his achievements for serving his community.

Avery and Jane were blessed with 69 years of marriage. They loved to travel and they saw many states across the country. They enjoyed spending the winter months in Englewood, Florida and eventually made their home there. While there, Avery continued his love of fire service. He was appointed as a State of Florida Fire Commissioner for the Englewood Area Special Fire District, which is the largest special fire district in Florida. While in Florida, Avery enjoyed many visits to the beach, especially with his family. When they returned for the summer, Avery and Jane loved to have family gatherings at their home on the lake. Avery always had a positive outlook on life and loved a great conversation with those around him.

Avery was a true gentleman, who made personal connections with everyone that he met. He was an avid reader and loved to share his wealth of knowledge of the history of Watertown. He was his family’s North Star; a devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was admired, loved, and respected by his family and friends. We will miss him dearly.

Avery W. Lamphier is survived by his loving family: son, Craig A. Lamphier and his wife Susan; daughter, Leslie L. McKeon and her husband, Barry; and daughter, Lisa L. Carew and her husband, Donald. Avery leaves behind grandchildren, Kara (McKeon) Major, her husband Brian, and their son Jack; Amanda (Lamphier) Rochette, her husband Robert, and their children Avery, Nolan, and Aubrey; Grant Lamphier, his wife Abby, and their children Lily and Wyatt; Matthew McKeon, his wife Christina, and their daughter Charlotte; Kathleen (McKeon) Von Duntz, her husband Nicholas, and their son William; as well, Christopher Carew; and Caroline Carew.

Avery also leaves nieces, Deborah Femiak, Elizabeth Mannella, Lela Barlow, and Dawn Peet; as well as nephews, Russell and Richard Tolles and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, wife Jane, adoring ‘sis’ Alice and brother-in-law Russell Tolles, brother-in- law Robert Barlow and wife Joyce, and many good friends who passed before him.

In honor of Avery, thank a Veteran.
“Semper Fi, Chief!”

Due to social restrictions, all services are postponed at this time. Arrangements will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: The Watertown Fire Department, Disabled American Veterans, or Veterans’ Memorial Park Development Fund (c/o: Watertown Parks and Recreation) in Avery’s memory.