Carl Anthony Avara

On August 29, 2017, Carl Anthony Avara, of Catonsville, Maryland, passed away surrounded by family and friends.

Carl was born on April 7, 1962 in Catonsville, the son of Salvatore and Dorothy Avara. Carl is survived by his wife, Teresa, and their children, Matthew and Stefana.  Carl’s siblings include four brothers: Michael, Joe, Mark, and John, as well as two sisters, Mary and Cathie.  After his mother passed away, his father married Mary Lucia Avara and the Avara family moved from Catonsville to Westwood Drive in Ellicott City, where Carl spent his teenage years playing softball, camping, and enjoying whitewater rafting trips with his friends. Carl attended Mount Hebron and Centennial high schools in Howard County.

As a devoted husband and father, Carl brought his infectious energy, his sense of humor, and his indomitable spirit into everything he did: as an always-willing volunteer for numerous Boy Scout trips, for St. Mark School, and for the Parents Club at Archbishop Curley, as well as cheering on Matthew and Stefana at countless soccer, basketball, field hockey & lacrosse games.

Carl was the go-to handyman for the neighborhood and family. He was always willing to help repair, install or build anything and everything from leaky pipes to new decks. Carl never hesitated to lend a helping hand, and was always the first one out to help with shoveling snow or to mow a neighbor’s lawn.

Throughout his sixteen-month journey with cancer, Carl amazed his family, his BGE co-workers, his many friends, and his medical team with his steadfast courage and his total refusal to allow the disease, the treatment, or any other challenge to change who he was.  Carl loved life, and no illness could diminish his huge heart, which was filled with all the people and activities he loved so much.

Carl always loved a good story and a good laugh, so please feel free to share your stories and remembrances of him: