JOSEPH PAUL AUGUSTYN Jr.

1940-2010 Joseph Paul Augustyn, Jr. passed away on September 25, 2010 in his home in Claremont, CA surrounded by family, after fighting a two-year battle with cancer. Born October 29, 1940 in New Castle, PA to Joseph Paul Augustyn and Frances Elizabeth Wilk Augustyn, Joe attended St. Mary's Seminary High School, Kiski Preparatory Academy, the University of Pennsylvania and Youngstown University. While at Youngstown "U", he met and married Gretchen Freni Augustyn. Joe began work in the titanium industry shortly after he and Gretchen married. A transfer with Reactive Metals (now RTI) brought him to California where he spent the rest of his life building his family and business. In 1974 he founded Sierra Alloys, Co. Inc., now located in Irwindale, CA and grew the company into one of the premier suppliers of titanium and special-alloy steels to the aerospace industry. Under Joe's leadership and guidance (and, in recent years, under the leadership of his devoted son Jeff), Sierra Alloys has won numerous awards and honors from companies such as Boeing, Lockheed and Northrop. Joe was a strong advocate of personal freedoms and was involved with many philanthropic groups, with a particular interest in environmental conservation, Native American issues, and Catholic charities. He enjoyed many outdoor activities, especially competing in Field Trials with his beloved Labrador Retrievers. He also loved exploring California - and all of its hidden and out-of-the-way places. Joe is survived by his wife of 48 years, Gretchen; four children, Susan Augustyn (Glenn Schiller) of New York, NY, Jeff Augustyn (Debi Augustyn) of San Dimas, CA, Betsie Berrien (Bill Berrien) of Whitefish Bay, WI and Jennifer Augustyn of Paris, France/Los Angeles, CA; four grandchildren, Brandon Augustyn and Grace, Will & Joe Berrien; one great-grand-daughter, Kaylee Augustyn; and his brother, Noel James Augustyn & his family. Joe was preceded in death by his father, Joe, and his mother, Frances. He will be missed deeply and loved forever. The Catholic Vigil and Rosary will be from 6:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, September 30th at the Todd Memorial Chapel , 325 N. Indian Hill Blvd., Claremont. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am on Friday, October 1st, 2010 at Our Lady of the Assumption, 435 Berkley Ave., Claremont. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made in Joe's name to the Yosemite Conservancy (115 Montgomery St., #1104, San Francisco, CA 94104) or to St. Michael' Abbey & High School(19292 El Toro Rd., Silvarado, CA 92676-9710).