SACO – Avery A. Etheridge, 41, of Saco, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford.

He was born in Portland on Aug. 9, 1982, a son of Archie and Janet (Davis) Etheridge. He grew up in Old Orchard Beach and graduated from Old Orchard Beach High School, class of 2001. His nickname as he grew up was “Aveman”.

After high school Avery enlisted in the United States Army. Just a few days after enlisting the horrible events of 9/11 took place. Avery was deployed to Iraq and he got to proudly serve alongside of his father, also stationed in Iraq. His tour lasted exactly 365 days. He returned to the states and worked for the Friendship Inn in Old Orchard Beach, working his way up to management.

Avery had many interesting hobbies, but none compared to his passion for WWE. This love began with his great-grandmother Evelyn, at the age of 2, sitting on her lap for hours watching wrestling. His enthusiasm for the sport continued throughout his life, and he faithfully watched or listened to matches right up to the final days of his life. Another favorite pastime was taking his children to amusement parks and water parks. These special memories meant so much to his family, and will be cherished forever. Avery was a fun loving person, enjoyed life, and loved being a father and all it had to offer. He will be sadly missed.

Due to the warfare in Iraq, Avery suffered from PTSD. This painful illness was a result of the traumatic events he experienced while fighting for our country. This disease completely changed his life, and tragically led to his alcohol abuse disorder which took his life.

Avery has a whole host of angels waiting to welcome him. He was predeceased by his great-grandmother, Evelyn Etheridge, by great-grandparents Archie and Louise Tibbets; by grandparents Burton and Madonna Etheridge; by uncle, Burton Etheridge III; by Grammy Martha, by uncle, Gregory Davis, and by special uncle, Eddy.

He is survived by his parents Archie and Janet Etheridge; by his two children, Ariana Etheridge and Zachary Etheridge; by uncle, Dan Etheridge and wife Mary with children John and Cecile; by uncle, Brian Etheridge and wife Ruth with children Madonna and Michelle; by aunt, Deborah Gagne and husband Jim with children Garrett and Sara; by aunt, Dane Gregor; and by cousins Caleb Etheridge and Joanna Etheridge; by uncle, John Davis of Turner; and by aunt, Pam Davis with children Robbie and Billy-Jean Steer.

Visiting hours will be from 9 to 11 a.m., with a funeral service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel in Saco.

To view Avery’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit http://www.cotefuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the GoFundMe page created to benefit Avery’s children and their education. The Link is as follows: https://www.gofundme.com/averys-childrens-educational-funds.

Also, in lieu of flowers you may consider contributing to the charity for alcohol abuse. The link is as follows: https://csoaamaine.org/contributions/

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