Avery Strong

Ron has dedicated his life and career to giving back to his community and family. For 39 years he served Kittery, ME retiring as a Sargeant Detective. He's tracked down stolen property, fought to protect the community from drug-related crimes, investigated all crimes imagineable, steered youth on a better path, and been an outstanding and supportive father, Grampy  (9 grandchildren) and devoted husband to his HS sweetheart. He never missed an event or gathering his kids or wife were involved in. Most kids believe their father is the strongest guy on earth and the smartest person alive. We know this to be true about our Dad. He really is in our minds a true super hero, and we know hundreds of people who agree. On a lighter note, he's quick with a joke, a $20 bill, and a ride to a friend's house, his laugh is contagious, his heart is enormous...He's Avery Strong, and he is the man his children strive to be.

In May 2015 we found out our Dad had Glioblastoma (A stage 4 aggressive brain tumor). Ultimately there is no cure but treatment is buying us time. Weeks later doctors also found esophageal cancer, and now Dad is doing daily treatment for Chemo and Radiation at Mass General.

Your donations will support food, gasoline, lodging, treatment, medical bills and time with his family.
Below is an article that was written on SeacoastOnline.com when Dad retired just a few years back. It does a good job of summing up the life he has  led, the things he accomplished, the people that respect him and the family he supports.


"KITTERY, Maine — Celebrated by his peers, detective Sgt. Ronald Avery ended his 37-year career with the Kittery Police Department.

At a retirement party at the American Legion Post in York, Avery was roasted a bit. What really came through, however, was the love and respect he has earned from family, friends and his fellow officers.

Detective Sgt. Steve Hamel, Avery's longtime partner, offered an emotional farewell to his friend.

"Having a partner you like and trust makes it all work," Hamel said. "Ron has an unbelievable commitment and loyalty to his wife and family. His commitment to law enforcement is second to none. Thanks for the memories, buddy."

Superior Court Judge Arthur Brennan talked about the qualities people expect from law enforcement in today's world.

"They expect officers to bring order from chaos, to be strong and compassionate, while having good judgment," Brennan said. "Police work is tedious at times and can be dangerous. Ronald Avery has all these qualities in abundance. He is a good cop and has earned some time for himself."

Julie Ruggeri has been Avery's secretary since 1986. She said she has great respect for him.

"He has always been very professional," she said. "He's one of the really great guys."

Noting that they worked together as patrolmen, Police Chief Edward Strong said Avery will be missed.

"It is a great loss to the department," Strong said. "He has been the cornerstone of our investigative division. He has made a lot of connections over the years that will be hard to replace. Ron is well liked and will be missed by all of us."

Sgt. Charles Denault presented a slideshow, a good-natured roast of Avery. The theme was superheroes.

In the presentation, Avery was depicted as pop culture heroes, such as Superman and Batman. He was also parodied a bit as versions of Buzz Lightyear and even Mayberry RFD's Barney Fife.

Avery, 58, is a York native who came to the department in 1974, "fresh out of UMaine" with a degree in criminal justice. He said he plans to apply for a private investigator's license for both Maine and New Hampshire."
By Karen Dandurant