Bruce Campbell Avery

Bruce Campbell Avery, 81, of Fort Myers, FL and Norwell, MA passed away on May 17, 2021 from congestive heart failure and kidney disease. Bruce was born on April 13, 1940 in Quincy, MA to Roland and Marjorie Avery. He attended Weymouth schools and graduated from Bentley College and the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Bruce enlisted in the US Army Reserves serving as a chef in the early 1960’s. On May 14, 1961, he married Virginia Rosier; they raised three children - Scott, Matt and Dawn - during their 30 years in Norwell. Bruce was a charter member of the United Church of Christ in Norwell; and upon retirement, he and Ginny became members of the Sanibel Congregational UCC of Sanibel Island FL. Bruce held leadership roles in both churches, including Deacon, Trustee and Head Usher.

Bruce enjoyed a long successful career in financial services, first at Putnam Investments and then retiring as COO from Massachusetts Financial Services in 1997. In addition, he was the President of the National Investment Company Service Association (NICSA), served on the Board of Trustees of the South Shore Hospital in Weymouth MA, was a member of the Board of Directors of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, and a member of the Florida Lions Association.

The bulk of Bruce’s leisure time was spent playing golf at the North Hill CC, Duxbury MA and the Beachview Golf Club, Sanibel FL where he built countless meaningful relationships.

In addition to his parents, Bruce was pre-deceased by his brother Albert. He is survived by Ginny, his loving wife of 60 years, his devoted children Scott (Marlese) of Cary NC, Matt (Lynda) of Tampa FL and Dawn of Boston MA. Papa’s grandchildren include Michael, Chris, Kelly and Nick Avery of Cary, NC, Tim and Jeff Avery of Tampa, FL, and Rudy and Dante Avery of Boston, MA. He is also survived by brother’s in-law Rich (Denise) Rosier of Sarasota FL and Bob Rosier of Post Falls ID, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Bruce’s final wishes were to have his remains placed during private services in the Memorial Grounds at the Sanibel Congregational UCC, as well as the Memorial Garden at UCC Norwell.

Memorial donations may be made to The American Heart Association PO Box 78851, Phoenix AZ, 85062-8851. Sanibel Congregational UCC 2050 Periwinkle Way Sanibel FL 33957, UCC Norwell PO Box 501 Norwell MA 02061 or the charity of your choice.

Family was his first priority, however those fortunate enough to have known him describe him as loving, loyal, dependable, hard-working, generous and witty. To quote many who know him best, he “made everyone feel special”.

The Avery family extends their deepest gratitude to the Arbor staff at Shell Point for the amazing care and kindheartedness Bruce received in his final years. According to those special people and many others, his sense of humor may be his most lasting legacy!

Arrangements courtesy of Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home, Fort Myers, Florida.