Obituary of David (Skip) C. Averell

TOWN OF DANUBE – David (Skip) Clifford Averell, 83 of Travis Road, Mohawk, NY passed away peacefully Sunday, May 1, 2016 at his home. He was born on February 16, 1933 in Bellmore, NY the son of Herbert J. and Evelyn (Clifford) Averell, Sr. He was a graduate of Mepham High School, class of 1951 where he was the NYSAAU wrestling champion. Skip had turned down offers to pursue wrestling further to attend Farmingdale University to earn his degree in Animal Husbandry. On May 1, 1954 he was united in marriage to his wife of 62 years the former Margaret A. Mitchell in Baldwin, NY. His love of dairy farming began on Long Island at 14 years old, where he tried to work on a farm, was turned away and told to return the next year when he was of age, he did. Skip and Margaret moved from Long Island to the Little Falls area and started his diary farm which they worked for over 30 years. After his retirement from farming, Skip was a Truck Driver for Richard Obreza Trucking Co., Mohawk retiring in 1998. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, everlasting love and the joy of life that he imparted on his family. Also for his love of riding motorcycle, wood work, model trains, Saranac Lake, Port Wine and Utica Club Beer. His mischievous grin and infection laughter will not be forgotten. Skip is survived by his wife Margaret, his sons; Donald Averell (Michelle), Watertown, NY, Peter Averell (Tanya), Johnsonville, NY, David Averell (Mary Jo), Freeport, FL, Dean Averell (Kim), Oceanside, CA and Derek Averell (Amy), Penfield, NY, his daughter; Esther Averell (Darlene), Cooperstown, NY, several grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends, especially Clint Boepple, Bernie and Kathy Shipman and Steve Law. He was predeceased by his parents, Herbert J., Sr. and Evelyn, a son; Paul and brother; Herbert J., Jr. Memorial services will be held Friday, May 6, 2016 at 10:00 am from the Chapman-Moser Funeral Home, Inc., 42 N. Ann Street, Little Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers it is the wish of the family that contributions in memory of Skip be considered to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement rd., New Hartford, NY 13413. Envelopes are also available at the funeral home for this purpose.