Leon J. Avey

Leon J. Avey of Groton passed away after a long illness on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at home with his wife of 65 years, Barbara, by his side. He was born in Leominster on November 19, 1941, son of the late Joseph and Marjorie (LaValley) Avey.

He will be greatly missed by his children Irene Flood and her husband Michael of Shirley; Frederic Avey of Ayer; and Catherine Keese and her husband Brian of McCleary, WA. He is also survived by his grandchildren and their spouses Christopher and Heather Condon, Jessica and Nick Roy, and Brian Jr. and Mikel Keese; along with three great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Mackenzie Roy, and Atticus Keese. He is survived by his sister Leona Avey, brother Joseph Avey and his wife Cate, and brother-in-law James Presley. He was predeceased by his sister Brenda Presley and brother Robert Avey.

Leon grew up in Leominster and graduated from Lancaster High School. He relocated to Boston after marrying Barbara and they later settled in Groton in 1971. Leon had a long career with the Shirley Police Department before retiring as a Lieutenant. The highlight of his career was when he delivered two baby girls 24 hours apart in 1980. He also spent many years as a volunteer Groton firefighter, also retiring from that service as a Lieutenant.   

Leon was a long-time member of the Union Congregational Church in Groton. He loved woodworking, fishing (especially in Alaska), traveling the world with Barbara, all Boston sports, particularly the Patriots, and his family.

A Memorial Service was held July 7 at the Union Congregational Church, 218 Main St., Groton. Burial will be private.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Union Congregational Church of Groton, Attn: Building Fund, 220 Main St. Groton, MA 01450 (www.uccgroton.net). Arrangements are entrusted to the McGaffigan Family Funeral Home, Pepperell. For Leon's online guestbook, please see www.McGaffiganFuneral.com