Joseph Avolis

Joe was born in 1938 in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania. Joe graduated high school at the age of 16 in New York City. When he turned 17, he enlisted in the US Air Force. He severed in Vietnam. In the Air Force, Joe met his loving wife of 55 years, Irene. Retiring in 1975, Joe relocated with Irene and their three children to Washington, NC where he was an employee of Stanadyne, Inc. Upon retirement from Stanadyne, Joe followed his passion to begin a small electrical business. What would be work for most was a hobby to him. He enjoyed doing for others.

Joe was a family man. He and Irene relocated to New Bern in 2008 to be closer to and spend more time with his children and grandchildren. When Joe was not eagerly teaching his grandchildren working skills or helping children with “fix-it” tasks, he could be found driving his dog around town.

He is survived by his wife Irene Avolis; sons, Joseph C. Avolis and Kevin Avolis both of New Bern; daughter, Melanie Clayton of Guyton, GA.; brothers, Stanley Aviles of Stormville, NY, Ralph Aviles of New Bern and Lewis Aviles of CA; grandchildren, Kari Avolis, Jill Avolis, Lauren Childers, Ben Avolis, Sam Avolis, Megan Avolis, Chase Clayton, Spencer Avolis.

He is predeceased by a sister, Theresa Mitchell.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 6:00pm at Cotten Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends following the memorial service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Colonial Capital Humane Society, PO Box 326, New Bern, NC 28563.

Arrangements are by Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may made at www.cottenfuneralhome.com