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Actor Paul Avery, 81, and Wife Killed in NJ Fire

6/19/2026

49 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Avery Fire Death

Actor Paul Avery (81) and his wife Sheila died in a Blairstown, New Jersey house fire on June 16, 2026.
Firefighters arrived before 1 a.m., found the couple unconscious, performed CPR, rescued them, but both died shortly after.
The blaze was declared under control at 1:03 a.m. while its cause remains under investigation.
Avery was known for playing bartender Hughie on All My Children and founded the Ridge View Echo newspaper.

Summary

Avery Caregiver

After Sheila suffered a stroke in 2018, Avery reduced his civic activities to become her full-time caregiver.
Avery spent two decades as a Vietnam-era helicopter crew chief.
He appeared in more than 300 television commercials, including voicing the yellow M&M.
As a teenager, Avery was a pioneering participant in skydiving during its formative years.
Before 2018, he volunteered actively in Blairstown, taking part in local events and charities.

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Avery Fire Death

Actor Paul Avery (81) and his wife Sheila died in a Blairstown, New Jersey house fire on June 16, 2026.
Firefighters arrived before 1 a.m., found the couple unconscious, performed CPR, rescued them, but both died shortly after.
The blaze was declared under control at 1:03 a.m. while its cause remains under investigation.
Avery was known for playing bartender Hughie on All My Children and founded the Ridge View Echo newspaper.

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