Avery Z. Torrey

Avery (Red) Z. Torrey, 90, of Cincinnatus, NY, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, at the Veteran's Hospital in Syracuse, NY.

Avery was born in the Town of German on July 12, 1922 to Avery and Bertha (Temple) Torrey.  He was raised on the family farm in German and while growing up had many jobs besides working on the family farm.  As a young boy, Avery had a paper route and would walk all the way from German to McDonough to deliver the daily paper.  Avery attended Cincinnatus Central School.  At the age of 20, Avery joined the U.S. Army as a Private First Class with Company A, 103rd Medical Battalion 28th Division.  He finished his schooling in the service.  Avery was sent overseas and saw action in Luxemburg, France, Germany and Belgium.  He was honorably discharged from the Army on September 19, 1945.

On October 29, 1945, Avery married the former Geneva Gage and together they had six children:  Garry, Edward, Leona, Natholie, Arthur and Cynthia.  Avery and Geneva raised their childreni n Smithville Flats before settling in the family home in Cincinnatus.  He graduated from SUNY Agricultural and Technical College at Farmingdale in 1967.  He held many positions over the years with his last job being in security at SUNY Cortland.  He was also a life member of the Edwin Wilbur, Jr. American Legion Post #1478, McDonough.

Avery loved anything mechanical, from race cars to lawn tractors, and could always be found out working in his garage.  If he wasn't there, he was fishing his second favorite pastime.

It's hard to sum up a person's life in just a few paragraphs.  Our father was so much more than that.  He will be eternally missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his children, Edward (Barbara) Torrey of Fort Smith, AR, Leona (Mike Thompson) Diaz of McDonough, Natholie (Gary) Morley of N. Pitcher, Arthur (Brenda) Torrey of Cincinnatus, and Cynthia (James) DeForest of McDonough; and an honorary son, Eldin (Mary) Plankey of Lunenburg, MA.  He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Jason Spence, Patrick Torrey, Michael Torrey, Joey Diaz, Melanie Pelosi, Debbie Lewis, Diana Chosy, Gary Morley, Michele Hicks, and Nicholas DeForest.  He is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Margie Talutis of Cincinnatus; stepsisters, Joyce Hicha of Phoenix, AZ and Marilyn (Norman) McKewon of Phoenix, AZ; sisters-in-law, Dora Gage of Crossville, AL and Phyllis Gage of Florida; and brothers-in-law, Alfred (Carolyn) Gage of New Berlin and Richard (Elaine) Gage of New Berlin; many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  Avery also leaves behind his feline companion JC and numerous close friends.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Geneva in 2009 and his eldest son, Garry in 2009.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service.  A graveside service, with military honors, will be held at the Westview Cemetery on Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at 11:00 a.m.  At that time, a graveside service will also be held for Geneva.  Those wishing to remember Avery and Geneva with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Westview Cemetery Association, c/o Cindy Nogva, 196 County Route 5, McDonough, NY 13801, or a charity of one's choice.

When it's my time I'll take a ride . . .

On the wings of a butterfly . . .