Mauri Gunnari Auvinen

Mauri Gunnari Auvinen, 82, of Ashburnham, Massachusetts, passed away on December 11, 2024 after a short illness. Mauri was born on June 2, 1942, in Kurenpolvi, Finland. He emigrated to the United States at the age of eighteen for the opportunity to continue his education at the collegiate level. Mauri was naturalized as a US Citizen in 1985 in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Mauri was a loyal and dedicated husband to Laila Salo, whom he married in 1969. They shared a loving marriage of nearly fifty-five years. Mauri was a proud father to his son, Gunnari. He is also survived by his brothers, Eino (Margery) Auvinen, Reino (Debra) Auvinen, and Peter (Valerie) Auvinen. Mauri was preceded in death by his parents, Eino and Bertta Auvinen. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.

Mauri graduated with honors with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from Northeastern University in 1976. He worked in various roles, including as a Comptroller for Howard Johnson at the Candy and Condiment Plant in Quincy, MA and as a Controller for Depot Distributors in Fitchburg, MA. He later served the State of Massachusetts at the Department of Employment and Training as an Accountant and Auditor. Mauri served honorably in the US Army during the Vietnam War and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and recognized as a Sharpshooter. He was an active member of the Finnish Center at Saima Park in Fitchburg, MA serving on the board of directors and as treasurer for ten years. Additionally he was a member of The Finnish Heritage Society Sovittaja in Rutland, MA. Mauri's hobbies included reading in both English and Finnish, gardening, and cross-country and downhill skiing.

Calling Hours will be held Wednesday, December 18, 2024 from 9:30- 11 am in the Mack Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, Gardner with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 am.  Burial with Military Honors will follow at New Cemetery, Ashburnham.

Please join us in remembering Mauri Auvinen by visiting his memorial page at https://my.gather.app/remember/mauri-auvinen. We invite you to share your memories and photos, and to reflect on how much he meant to all of us.

Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Dan Serina Directors.