Waldo Avera

Waldo Emerson Avera Jr., also fondly known as "Junior" and "Papa" was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, the only boy in a house full of sisters. He attended Kirby Smith Middle School and Andrew Jackson High School where he played basketball and enjoyed dancing and socializing. He graduated in 1961 and married the love of his life Kathy Lee in 1962. Waldo and Kathy led a full and productive life together as working parents raising three (3) children. Waldo coached baseball and basketball. The family spent time traveling, camping, and being with extended family. Waldo was an experienced boatsman and enjoyed time on the water both boating and fishing while also finding time to renovate and restore boats. He and Kathy were active in the Northside Moose Lodge, River City Ramblers Camping Club, as dancers in a Beach Bop group, and riding motorcycles with the local Honda Goldwing Club. Waldo was mechanically inclined and capable of fixing anything. He worked in the hardware industry for many years and retired from Quality Hardware in 1998. After retirement he continued to enjoy camping, boating, tinkering in his work shop, time with family, and cheering for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Florida Gators. He and Kathy were always encouraging and supportive of their children and grandchildren in their various endeavors and activities. Waldo is predeceased by his bride Kathy, also his wife of 59 years, who passed away in 2021. In recent years he lived an active, independent and healthy lifestyle including fishing in his lake, taking morning walks, socializing with neighbors in his community, spending quality time with his sisters, and being part of Andrew Jackson High School's Alumni group. He was a helpful, positive, supportive parent and grandparent and was widely known at school for being there every day to pick up his youngest grandson. His door was always open to grandchildren and their friends who needed a snack or a break during the day. In addition to his wife Kathy, Waldo is predeceased by his parents Ethel and Waldo Emerson Avera Sr. as well as his infant son Bryant. He is survived by his beloved sisters, Martha Sue Childress, Linda Harper (Clarence), Beverly Porter (Mitch), and Julie Coleman, daughters Judith Marlene Avera and Karin Harms (George), son Steven Avera (Erin), grandchildren Allison, David, Emerson "Emme", Patton, and John Paul plus a large extended family that includes aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins spread across Florida and parts of Georgia.

The family welcomes you to a visitation at 12:30 PM on Friday, March 7th followed by Mass at 1:00 PM both to be held at Assumption Catholic Church and then a graveside service at Restlawn Memorial Park. All are welcome to join a celebration of life at Mudville Grille immediately following the graveside service. Special thanks to Naugle Funeral Home for arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Bolles School Annual fund in memory of Waldo E. Avera Jr. https://www.bolles.org/support/donate-now.

We will miss you every day Waldo, Dad, Junior, Uncle Junior, Papa. Your presence made us better, your impact will last in your absence. Stretch out your arms and wiggle those fingers! Walk easily now without pain. Kathy is waiting for you on your boat with the sandwiches and sweet tea. She'll make you take the dogs, Ralph and Jackie Fern along, but you won't mind. Send us all your love and blessings as you enjoy the glorious ride.