Obituary of Craig Lavery

Craig W. Lavery, 82, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2014 at Ellis Hospital. Born in Colonie, NY on August 12, 1932 he was the son of the late Wesley and Dorothy Lavery. He was a graduate of Schenectady Votec High School. Craig faithfully served his country during the Korean War as a member of the Air Force from 1952 to 1956. Craig married his beloved wife Shirley Grace Dare in 1957. He worked many years as a district manager for several W. T. Grant Department stores. He then went on to take over his father's plumbing and heating business, W.W. & C. Plumbing and Heating located in Scotia. At age 65, he retired from W.W. & C. Plumbing and Heating. Craig was extremely involved with the Twin Rivers Council Boy Scouts Troop, receiving the Silver Beaver Award. He was a member of the Scotia United Methodist Church with a position on the board of trustees. He enjoyed volunteering his talents at the church lending a helping hand wherever he could. Craig was a Master Mason and was raised in Wadesworth Lodge, Albany. Craig enjoyed spending time with his family, frequently on Mayfield Lake in Sacandaga. He also enjoyed fishing, golfing, and bird watching. He was predeceased by his sister Linda Purdy and his brother in law Ralph Purdy. Survivors include his beloved wife, Shirley Grace Lavery; sons, Wesley C. Lavery (Tina) of Glenville, NY, Todd A. Lavery (Wendy), of Glenville, NY, and David C. Lavery (Erica) of Portsmouth, RI; daughter Ellen D. Lavery (Paul) of Amsterdam, NY; grandchildren, Neil, Thomas, Rachel, Elizabeth, and Sean Lavery; brother Warren Lavery (Joy) of Colonie, NY and sister Darlene Novak of Aurburne, NY. Craig was also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held, Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 2:00pm from St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 50 Sacandaga Road Scotia, NY. Interment will follow at Park Cemetery, Scotia NY. Relatives and friends are invited to attend and may also call on Friday, November 7, 2014 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. Glenville. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Craig's name may be made to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 50 Sacandaga Road Scotia, NY 12302. Online condolences www.glenvillefuneralhome.com