Phillip A. Avery

Phillip A. Avery, 81, of Bennington, peacefully passed away on April 4,2024 after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer, while under hospice care at Monadnock Community Hospital with his wife Ann and the love of his family at his side.

Born in Peterborough on April 25,1942, Phil lived most of his life in Hancock and was a long-time member of the Hancock Fire Dept and Sportsman’s Club.

He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing year-round. But his work as a well driller was his true passion. Phil started working at McKenna Well Drilling when he was 19 and spent over 40 years in the trade. He kept meticulous notes and could (and did) tell the depth and gallons per minute of the hundreds of wells he drilled in the region and was a ready reference for anyone who had questions about their well. He loved going to air shows and train shows. And had a great love for his rescue turtles, who now reside at house by the side of the road.

Phil retired from Monadnock Paper Mills in Bennington after 17 years of employment.

In addition to his parents Phil was predeceased by his sister Rebecca (Becky) Lohmiller and his son Mark Phillip Avery.

Phil is survived by – his wife Ann (Rochford) Avery of 47 years, son Joshua Rochford and his wife Tina of Hancock, Granddaughter Kara (Avery) Atherton & her husband Kurt of Greenfield, Granddaughter Angela Kelley of Hancock, Grandson Dylan Rochford and his partner Cheyenne Christian of Hancock.  Great Grandchildren – Kyleigh & Kaleb Atherton, Nolan & RosaLynn Kelley. Mother-in-law Mary Rochford of Antrim and brothers-in-law Dave Rochford of Bennington & George Lohmiller of Hancock. Nephews Chad Lohmiller & partner Anna Goodwin, Bayard Lohmiller & wife Diana.

In accordance with Phil’s wishes there will be no calling hours or funeral services.

A gathering of Family and Friends will be held at Phil & Ann’s home in Bennington at a date to be announced.

Donations may be made to Bennington Fire and Rescue 7 School St, Unit 103, Bennington, NH 03442 or Monadnock Community Hospital Hospice Room, 452 Old Street Rd, Peterborough, NH 03458 

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