Harvey Austin Jr.

ROME -- Harvey Austin Jr., 84, of Rome, passed away Sunday, May 8, 2011, after a brief illness, at his daughter's home in Skowhegan with his family by his side, .

He was born June 28, 1926, in Rome, the son of Edward Austin Sr. and Bella (Foster) Bachelder.

He worked many years for Blue Rock Construction as a crane operator.

Harvey was a longtime member of the Odd Fellows in Norridgewock. He enjoyed fishing and camping, was a clock collector and loved animals, especially his trusted German shepard, Baby, who was always at his side. He liked doing mechanic work and going to the fairs and spending time with his family; he was a devoted husband, companion, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his companion, Pearl Paradis, of Rome; his four children, Rocky Austin and his wife, Pam, of Mount Vernon, Beth Austin of Skowhegan, Tammy Rines and her husband, Tim, of Cornville, and Harvey Austin and his wife, Trisha, of Skowhegan; 12 grandchildren, Edward, Heather, Matthew, Lisa, Jill, Jesse, Donnie, Ginni, Tim Jr., Michelle, Kaleb and Lexie, 11 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and several close friends.

He was predeceased by his wife, Virginia (Berry) Austin, in 1990; his parents; two children, Lisa L. Austin on Aug. 11, 1964, and Edward "Snooks" V. Austin on Aug. 17, 2001; one grandchild, John Massey; and his sister, Arlene Meunier.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2011, at 3 p.m. at Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, with the Rev. Richard Berry officiating. Burial will follow the service at Oak Cemetery in Norridgewock.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan.

Donations may be made in Harvey's memory to the Somerset Humane Society, P.O. Box 453, Skowhegan, ME 04976.