Richard Austin

Richard Allen Austin, age 66, was born in New York City to Lawrence (Sonny) Austin and Ruth Gyles-Austin on January 18, 1954. On Thursday, April 9, 2020, Richard passed away in his home with his loving wife, Inez Austin, of 37 years by his side. His spirit was released from his shell of a body and he’s gone to meet his maker. Richard will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a loving father, hard worker, humorist, a man of integrity and honor, a man of strong faith, and a man who strived to obtain new life experiences.

Richard was deeply committed to education and graduated from City College of New York with an Associate degree in Liberal Arts. He continued his studies in Saint Louis, attending Park University, where he received his Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts.

After graduation, Richard landed his first job with the Army National Guards in New York City and in 1983 he met the love of his life, Inez Austin, and her daughter Zena. They married on May 7, 1983 in Brooklyn, NY and had their son Elijah Austin. In 1985, Richard accepted a position as a Traffic Enforcement Agent with the NYPD Transportation Bureau and served New Yorkers for 35 years.

Richard was a strong patriarch of his family and his family was the pivotal essence of Richard’s life. His most proud achievements in life were marrying his wife Inez, who supported him in all his glory and supported him physically during his last days together, and raising his children Zena and Elijah, whom he loved dearly and was very proud of their accomplishments. He did his best to teach and guide his children to obtain an education and live a fulfilling life of new experiences.

Richard was a loving and caring friend to many and enjoyed spending time with close friends from childhood and adulthood. Every year, Richard and his family would take a trip to visit friends as he was fiercely loyal to his friends.

In 2019, Richard learned he would become a grandfather as Zena was expecting her first child. Richard was extremely excited and anticipating the birth of his first grandchild and in his final days he was able to see his grandson, Charles Frederick, born on April 3rd, 2020. Richard was very proud to be a grandfather and loved Charles immensely.

Although his life was cut too short, Richard lived a rich and rewarding life where he had the opportunity to travel cross country and around the world with his wife and children, attend his children’s weddings and other special occasions, and enjoyed many holidays with his immediate and extended family members and many friends.

Richard will be forever remembered for his smile, caring heart, loving embrace, and unconditional love. Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate his life and find comfort that he’s in heaven watching over his family.

Richard is preceded in death by parents, Lawrence and Ruth Austin, by his aunt and uncle, Loretta and Phil, and cousin Bobby.

Richard will be sorely missed and survived by his wife, Inez Austin; children: Zena Buechler and Elijah Austin; daughter-in-law, Tiara Austin; son-in-law, Chris Buechler; grandson, Charles Frederick Buechler; brothers: Shabazz and Patrick Austin; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father,

who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who

trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory, forever.

Amen.