Fred E. Austin

BARRE CITY – Fred Eugene Austin, 91, a longtime resident of Maple Avenue, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at the Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin. His loving family had been with him at his bedside.

Born on May 31, 1926 in Northfield, he was the son of Howard and Mary (Adams) Austin. He attended elementary school in Northfield and was a graduate of Northfield High School. Following his schooling he joined the U.S. Navy, where he served with distinction during the Korean Conflict. After twenty years with the Navy he was honorably discharged.

On December 3, 1950, he married the love of his life, Mary Phillips, in Barre City. Together they made their home in Barre and raised five wonderful children. Mary passed away on November 1, 1981.

Besides the Navy, Fred held many occupations throughout his life. He held multiple positions in sales, including selling insurance policies, and worked for the State of Vermont as a probation and parole officer for over twenty years before retiring.

Fred was a dedicated member of the VFW Post #790, the American Legion Post #10 and the Canadian Club. He frequently made donations to these and many other organizations.

Throughout his life he had many hobbies and interests, but the most important of these was gardening, photography, caring for his and other’s animals and most importantly spending time with his loving family and friends.

Fred is survived by his son, Fred Austin Jr. of Barre; three daughters, Victoria Austin, Nancy Austin and Sue Austin all of Barre; nineteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. He also leaves his sister, Lodema Utton, of Mobile Alabama as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Howard Austin, his brother, Raymond Austin, a sister, Leona Hemmingway, two granddaughters and a great-grandson.

A service to honor and celebrate Fred’s life will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre. Interment will follow at the Maplewood Cemetery in Barre Town.

There are no calling hours.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Central Vermont Humane Society, P.O. Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05601 or the American Legion Post # 10, 320 North Main Street, Barre, VT 05641.