Augustine Joseph Avilla

August 31, 1922 – November 28, 2017

Another member of America’s Greatest Generation has passed. Augustine Joseph Avilla joined his wife Alice with their Heavenly Father on November 28th, 2017. His long life transitioned peacefully to the next world.

Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, on August 31st 1922, he was one of thirteen children of Antone and Rose Avilla. Augustine loved to play soccer with his brothers and played on a travelling team. He worked during his early teen years in one of Fall River’s factories processing cotton. When World War II was declared, Auggie enlisted in the Navy. His children thought it was due to his love of the sea; they later discovered that Auggie lost a bet with his brother Frankie! The winner joined the Army and the loser, the Navy. The oldest Avilla son, Manuel, lost his life during the Battle of the Bulge.

During his naval career, he traveled much of the world and had a particularly adventurous camel ride while on leave in Egypt, and also tried his hand in shoe sales in Italy.

Stationed at the Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia, he met and fell in love with Alice. They had four children and lived much of their lives in a house Auggie built from a Sears and Roebuck house kit. He provided for his family working in construction.

He enjoyed fishing and clam digging, caring for his family, house, and yard. He and Alice had beautiful flower gardens. Auggie took great joy in food. He liked to cook and barbeque and truly enjoyed eating. Lobster, fish, steamers, and farm fresh corn on the cob was one of his favorite meals. A piece of warm apple or blueberry pie would never be turned away.

In addition to his children, Brenda Correia and husband Tony, Steven Avilla and wife Donna, Deb Debski and husband John, Traci Medeiros and husband John, and one sibling, his sister Mary Lafontaine.

Augustine's legacy will live on through his grandchildren: Richard Martin, Sandra Mooney, Alyson Nalewaik and husband Eric, Jessica and J.D. Debski, and John Medeiros Jr., along with four great-grandchildren: Eric Mooney, Brandon Martin and Taylor and Alex Nalewaik.

Augustine is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice Avilla, and grandson Scott Martin who must be so happy to see his "Gramps" again. He will rest well knowing that his family carries on some of his knowledge and ethics.

A visitation for Augustine will be held Tuesday, December 5, 2017 from 10:00 - 11:00 AM at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, 12777 State Road 82, Fort Myers, FL 33913. A funeral service will occur at the funeral home on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 11:00 AM with entombment to follow in Lee Memorial Park Cemetery. For information, please call (239)334-4880.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leememorialpark.com for the Avilla family. Please send acknowledgements to the family c/o Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park 12777 State Road 82, Fort Myers, Fl, 33913.