Joseph Avery Sr. (NHPD, ret.) obituary: Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven

Joseph Avery Sr. (NHPD, ret.) 70 of Madison passed away August 21, 2026 at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was born August 2, 1956 in New Haven to the late Joseph and Dorothy (Angus) Avery. Joseph is survived by his four loving children; Joseph Avery Jr. (Kimberly) of North Haven, Kristy Avery-Elder (Shawn) of Madison, Meggan Avery (Will Lebron) of East Haven, and Jenna Avery of Old Lyme, along with four grandchildren he adored; Darren Pulcinella, Nikolas Avery, Elijah Avery, and Brianna Elder. Joseph is also survived by his five siblings; Diane Rapuano (Richard) of Madison, Karen Avery of East Haven, Gilbert Avery of New Haven, Thomas Avery of New Haven, and Richard Avery of New Haven, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe grew up in the Fair Haven section of New Haven, the community he called home for the first half of his life. After marrying his teenage sweetheart and late wife, Michele, Joe began building a family, welcoming his children, Joe Jr. and Kristy. He also began a career in construction, eventually starting and successfully running his own construction business, Avery Remodeling, for many years.

Always someone who was willing to pursue his dreams, Joe eventually made a major career change and followed his calling into law enforcement. He began his career as a Correction Officer at the Union Avenue Detention Center in New Haven before becoming a Police Officer with the New Haven Police Department, where his most proud accomplishment was becoming the Crime Prevention and Media Relations Officer. He spent more than 20 years serving the city and community where he grew up. He later moved to Madison where he married his second wife, Maureen, and together they raised their daughters, Meggan and Jenna.

In his later years, Joe enjoyed camping at Salem Farms Campground, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, and, most of all, spending time with his family. He will be remembered for the life he built, the community he served, and the many years he spent surrounded by the people he loved.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday August 25, 2026 from 4 PM until the time of service at 6:30 PM in the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. Burial will be private.

70 of Madison passed away August 21, 2026 at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was born August 2, 1956 in New Haven to the late Joseph and Dorothy (Angus) Avery. Joseph is survived by his four loving children; Joseph Avery Jr. (Kimberly) of North Haven, Kristy Avery-Elder (Shawn) of Madison, Meggan Avery (Will Lebron) of East Haven, and Jenna Avery of Old Lyme, along with four grandchildren he adored; Darren Pulcinella, Nikolas Avery, Elijah Avery, and Brianna Elder. Joseph is also survived by his five siblings; Diane Rapuano (Richard) of Madison, Karen Avery of East Haven, Gilbert Avery of New Haven, Thomas Avery of New Haven, and Richard Avery of New Haven, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe grew up in the Fair Haven section of New Haven, the community he called home for the first half of his life. After marrying his teenage sweetheart and late wife, Michele, Joe began building a family, welcoming his children, Joe Jr. and Kristy. He also began a career in construction, eventually starting and successfully running his own construction business, Avery Remodeling, for many years.

Always someone who was willing to pursue his dreams, Joe eventually made a major career change and followed his calling into law enforcement. He began his career as a Correction Officer at the Union Avenue Detention Center in New Haven before becoming a Police Officer with the New Haven Police Department, where his most proud accomplishment was becoming the Crime Prevention and Media Relations Officer. He spent more than 20 years serving the city and community where he grew up. He later moved to Madison where he married his second wife, Maureen, and together they raised their daughters, Meggan and Jenna.

In his later years, Joe enjoyed camping at Salem Farms Campground, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, and, most of all, spending time with his family. He will be remembered for the life he built, the community he served, and the many years he spent surrounded by the people he loved.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday August 25, 2026 from 4 PM until the time of service at 6:30 PM in the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. Burial will be private.