Stephen Avery

Stephen D. Sonny Avery, 83, of Steelton passed away on Saturday, March 18th in Carolyn''s House of Hospice of Central PA, Susquehanna Twp.

He was born on December 28, 1939 in Steelton, PA, the son of the late Theodore and Gladys (Bartel) Avery. He attended Harrisburg Catholic High School, class of 1957, where he was a member of the football, basketball, and baseball teams.

In the early years Sonny ran Sonny''s and Bob''s Pool Room in Steelton, sold insurance for Prudential, and worked at Miller''s Furniture in Harrisburg. In his later years Sonny worked at NB Liebman Furniture as a flooring manager and then worked at Arley Wholesale Inc. (Scranton) as a regional salesman until retiring in 2001. He was a member of the former St. James Roman Catholic Church and a current member of Prince of Peace Parish, both of Steelton.

Sonny was a member of the East End Firehouse, the Steelton Club, and the Dutch Club. He was devout in his faith, and served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years.

Sonny enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends, especially watching his children and grandchildren participate in athletic events. He loved sitting outside to smoke his cigars, playing cards, and watching sports. He was a loyal fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Philadelphia Phillies.

Sonny is survived by his wife of 66 years, Barbara (Morrone) Avery; his six children-Stephen Jr. (Deb) of Harrisburg, Denise Zimmerman (Joe) of Steelton, David (Mary Lou) of Camp Hill, Paul (Diana) of Steelton, John (Stacey) of Steelton, and Mary Beth Willis (Gary) of Steelton; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by three sisters, Joan, Judith, and Janice, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by two brothers, Theodore, and James, and one sister, Vivian.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 11:00 am in Prince of Peace - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 815 South Second Street, Steelton, with Rev. Jonathan P. Sawicki, Pastor, Celebrant. Burial at the conclusion of Mass will be in Rolling Green Cemetery, Camp Hill. A viewing will be held on Thursday from 9:00 am - 10:30 am in Wiedeman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 357 South Harrisburg Street, Oberlin. Everyone is welcome to join the family at a luncheon at Prince of Peace Catholic Church after the burial services.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 815 S. 2nd Street., Steelton, PA 17113 or to Hospice of Central PA, 1320 Linglestown, Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17110.