Obituary of Roy H. Austin

Roy H. Austin, Jr., age 78, of Rome, passed away peacefully, February 20, 2012, with his loving family at his side. He was born September 26, 1933, in Rome, a son of Roy H. and Mildred L. Rocker Austin, and graduated from Oriskany High School in 1952. Roy was united in marriage to the former Patricia Schellhaas, on November 17, 1956, in St. Mary's Church, Niagara Falls. He worked at Rome Cable Corp, retiring after many years. He later worked for Birnie Bus Service and the VIP Bus Service in Rome. Roy also served ten years as the 3rd Ward City Councilman (alderman) for the City of Rome. He proudly served in the United States Air Force. He was a member of the Henry P. Smith Post #24, American Legion, Stanwix Veterans and Men's Club and the South Rome Seniors. Roy loved sports. He was a dedicated, respected and admired Baseball umpire in the Mohawk Valley Baseball Umpires Association for 35 years. He served as a coach and officer in the Rome National Little League Baseball Association, and also coached in the Babe Ruth, Pony and Colt baseball leagues for many years. He also refereed football for the Mohawk Valley Referees Association. As busy as Roy was, his first love was his family. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather. His second love was his home and his garden. You could always find Roy working in the garden or tending to his lawn during the spring and summer months. Roy is survived by his loving wife, Pat; a daughter and son in law, Tricia-Lee and Marc Macri of Rome; sons and a daughter in law, Mark and Lisa Austin of Rome, Kevin Austin of Rome, and Jeffrey Austin and fiancée, Marie of Rome; grandchildren, Candace Austin, Nicholas Macri and Marco Macri; sisters in law, Donna Austin of Utica, and Ruth Fair of Maryland; brother in law, Richard Korpolinski of Niagara Falls; and cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved son, Roy H. Austin, III, daughter in law, Carmella Austin, sister, Alma Hambrick and two brothers, Warren and Clifford Austin. Funeral services will be held Friday at 9:15 AM from the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, and at 10:00 AM at St. Peter's Church. Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home, Wednesday 5 to 8 PM, and Thursday 1 to 4 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Roy H. Austin III Memorial Fund or St. Mary's/St. Peter's Church Memorial Fund.