BEVERLY, MA — R. Avery Hammond of Beverly, MA passed away on February 20, 2019 at the age of 66. Avery was the son of the late Robert and Dorothy Hammond and was a graduate of Saratoga Springs High School. He enjoyed the music scene and jamming his drums in Congress Park. During the military draft, he earned conscientious objector status and performed his alternate service as a hospital orderly. He later attended Mohawk Valley Community College. Avery moved to the North Shore area in 1986 and settled in Salem where he and his wife raised their two children.
With a passion for cars before he could walk, Avery worked in auto sales and service for a variety of dealerships in New York and Massachusetts. Recently he worked as a transportation driver for special needs students. Avery learned to be a handyman from his father. They worked side-by-side fixing and building things. This was especially appreciated at the family’s camp on Fern Lake in the Adirondacks. He also had artistic talent demonstrated by his truly unique penmanship. His musical abilities were passed on to his two children.
Avery is survived by the lights of his life, son Drew Hammond, 27, of Saco, ME and daughter Sara Hammond, 24, of Manchester, NH. He also leaves his ex-wife Sue Gunby, three sisters: Ellen Bachman of Alexandria, VA, Kathy Foster of Flatrock, NC and Nancy Coleman of Saratoga Springs, NY.
Avery was a kind, compassionate and quick-witted man. He will be dearly missed by those who loved him. A memorial service will be planned for later in the spring.
