Dr. David Austin

RUTLAND -- Dr. David A. Austin, 70, of Rutland, died Thursday, Nov. 4, 2004, at Rutland Regional Medical Center.

Born in Brattleboro, he was the son of James A. and Euretta (Fuller) Austin.

A graduate of St. Michael's High School in Brattleboro, he received his B.S. from St. Michael's College and his doctorate in Medicine from the University of Vermont College of Medicine.

Following an internship at Milwaukee County Hospital, he received his commission as a medical officer in the U.S. Navy. Graduating from the Naval Deep Sea Diving School in Washington, D.C. and the School of Submarine and Undersea Medicine in New London, Conn., he subsequently spent 10 years of active duty service as medical officer to the Undersea and Submarine Service.

His assignments included serving as an instructor in the treatment of decompression illness, deep-diving problems related to prolonged submergence and escape techniques from crippled submarines.

Recalled during the 1990-91 Persian Gulf War, he twice went to Bahrain and was presented the Presidential Meritorious Service Medal. He retired at the rank of captain.

Following completion of his residency in Internal Medicine at the St. Albans Naval Hospital in New York, Dr. Austin opened his medical practice in Rutland in 1970.

Over the years, Dr. Austin held a number of offices in the Vermont State Medical Society and served as president of the Rutland Regional Medical Center's staff from 1989-1990. He has served as medical director of Eden Park Extended Care Facility.

As a mark of respect for his dedication to his patients, Dr. Austin's colleagues in the medical community honored him with the Physician of the Year Award in April of this year. This was one of his most treasured moments.

Active in the community, he served as member of both the Christ the King Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association and the Mount St. Joseph Academy School Board. He also served as their boards' presidents from 1982-1986 and 1987-1990 respectively. In addition, he served as team physician to the Mount St. Joseph football team.

Though he had an exemplary career, Dr. Austin will be best remembered for the way he personally touched the lives of so many. His unfailing generosity, gentle warmth and constancy were exceeded only by his humility.

Dr. Austin is survived by Pauline, his wife of 44 years, and five children, Dr. Judith Strohbehn, radiologist at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and her husband, Dr. Kris Strohbehn, and their children Ian, Luke and Samuel; Bonnie Austin, health policy analyst and attorney in Washington, D.C.; Bridget Austin, senior designer with the Coach Co. in New York; David Austin Jr., senior territory consultant for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in Albany, N.Y. and his wife Kim; and Luke Austin, attorney and seminarian for the Diocese of Burlington.

He also leaves his four brothers: Dr. James F. Austin of Burlington, Dr. Edward Austin of Pittsburgh, Paul Austin of Essex Junction, Stephen Austin of Pittsfield, Mass., and their 11 children.

There will be no calling hours. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at Christ the King Church in Rutland on Monday at 10 a.m. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Center Rutland. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mount St. Joseph Academy or Christ the King School Development Funds.

CLIFFORD FUNERAL HOME in Rutland is in charge of arrangements.u