Mr. Paul R. Austin

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Paul R. Austin will be held on Friday, January 27, 2012 at St. Mary’s Church in Potsdam, NY at 10 am with Rev. Msgr. Robert Aucoin celebrant. Burial will take place in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Potsdam. There will be no calling hours. Contributions in his memory can be made to the charity of one’s choice. Online condolences can be sent @www.garnerfh.com.

Paul R. Austin died at the United Helpers nursing home in Ogdensburg, NY Jan. 23, 2012, aged 92. He was born just outside Norwood, NY Jan. 12, 1920 to the late Norman and Abigail Sullivan Austin. He attended Potsdam schools and graduated from Potsdam High School in 1938. He began teacher training at the Potsdam Normal school, but left in 1941 to work for Martin Aircraft in Maryland. He enlisted into the Army Air Force in January, 1943 and was honorably discharged in Feb. 1946. He completed his education as a math teacher in 1947 and began teaching at the NYS Farm School near Watertown, NY, where he taught seven years

On Aug. 16, 1952 he married Helen Veronica Fortune of Watertown at Holy Family Church, with Rev. Robert McCarthy officiating. He moved to Massena in 1954 where he taught in the local school and worked on the Seaway for two summers. He retired from teaching in April, 1964.

He is survived by his daughter Margaret L. Tallant of Watertown, sons John M. of DeKalb Jct. and Timothy G. of Endicott, NY, plus brothers John W. Austin of Oswego, NY and Dr. Robert E. Austin of Potsdam. He is also survived by five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters Helen Popeck and Betty Austin, and by his brother Merrill J. Austin.