Arthur Russell Austin

Arthur Russell Austin passed away peacefully on Saturday August 16, 2025.

Would you like some coffee with that sugar?

Art grew up in West Haven CT, finding discarded bikes, repairing them so he could ride it off the top of the oil tanks on the New Haven Harbor docks. As a teenager he worked at a local soda fountain and would bring home ice cream to his mother, even in the dead of winter she would be waiting on the edge of her bed shivering while waiting for that sweet treat, his father shaking his head not understanding. Born March 21, 1930 in Hamden CT to Laura L. Brown and Arthur J. Austin, the youngest of 5, Helen Pastore, Laura May Larson, Charles Austin and Emma Norback. 

Upheld his promises, Art and a high school friend agreed to join the Army together. But they rejected my father due to flat feet and being colorblind. With “Austin” determination, he convinced them to let him join so he could keep his promise to join with his friend. He served during the Korean War with the Army Corp of Engineers and rapidly became a Sargent 1st class due to his ability to solve problems and lead people. After leaving the Army, he worked in Construction and in Printshops in the Danbury CT area.

Married Joan Chuvala, they started a family and a business together, Tri-Town Press and had 3 children Warren Austin of Oxford CT, Russell who died shortly after birth, LauraLee Austin of Nashua NH and one grandson Kyle Austin of Oxford CT. They moved to Seymour CT after selling Tri-Town Press to United Shoe Machinery, where he worked running the printshop and mailroom until he retired.  Art volunteered with Pop Warner Football, refereed basketball, coached softball, sailed, played volleyball, golf, poker and chess. Always moving doing something, just might be the reason he lived independently until the age of 95.

Art wasn’t perfect, but he taught us to be respectful and how to do things for ourselves. He lived believing that all people deserve respect. You always knew where you stood with him. I had seen him help people that he didn’t care for, because they needed help. Those acts of kindness surprised some people, but not me. He got the greatest pleasure being able to help people.

He was a father figure to more than his children. Wendell Forehand of Hudson FL worked with my dad as handymen in the naturist community where they lived and developed an enduring friendship.

Art approached every day with determination, some might say “Austin” stubbornness, a steadfast sense of integrity and a handkerchief in his pocket. Whether through small acts of daily kindness and respect or the wisdom of his guidance, he enriched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Though we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life well-lived. Art will be deeply missed, but his spirit lives on in all who were touched by his presence. Donations to St. Judes in his name are appreciated.

Here’s more sugar for your coffee, dad.