John Anthony Avery

John Anthony Avery

December 29, 1941 – November 5, 2025

With deep love and heavy hearts, we celebrate the life of John Anthony Avery, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in Norfolk, Virginia.

Born on December 29, 1941, in Morganton, North Carolina, John was the beloved son of the late Elizabeth Lucille Clark and Robert Lee Avery, and the cherished brother of the late Robert Lee Avery Jr.

A proud graduate of John Jay High School in Brooklyn, New York, Class of 1960, John made his mark early as a varsity quarterback. After high school, he answered the call to serve his country with courage and honor. Drafted into the U.S. military, John fought bravely in the Vietnam War, where he was wounded in combat and awarded the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal for his valor and sacrifice.

On April 27, 1974, John married the love of his life, Evonne Avery, in Brooklyn, New York. Together they shared 51 beautiful years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, laughter, and family.

John dedicated 35 years of his career to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where his hard work, humor, and reliability earned the respect and admiration of all who knew him.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Evonne Avery; two loving sons, Derrick Avery (Tanya) and Terence Avery; and three treasured grandchildren, Aidan Avery, Brendan Avery, and Nadia Avery. He will also be deeply missed by his Goddaughters Dawn and Tyler Simon and Hayley Linares; his brother-in-law, Bennie Walker Jr. III (Arlene) of Baltimore, Maryland; and a host of extended family and friends who loved him dearly.

John will be remembered for his warm laughter, his gift of storytelling, his love of music, the Dallas Cowboys, and the joy he found in spending time with his family and his beloved dog, Missy Avery. Above all, he was a devoted husband, proud father, and steadfast friend whose presence brought light, humor, and comfort to everyone he met.

Though he is no longer with us in body, John’s legacy of love, courage, and laughter will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A viewing will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the celebration of life begins at 12 Noon, on Friday, November 14, 2025, in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel of Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.