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Donald Austrian Obituary
Dr. Donald J. Austrian, beloved husband, father, son, brother in law, passed away peacefully at his home in Falmouth, ME, after a long illness, on May 5, 2016.
Donald was born in Zurich, Switzerland and spent his teenage years growing up on Canoe Brook Lake in Trumbull, Ct. After high school, he attended Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire followed by Medical School in Mexico. It is there that he learned fluent Spanish which was helpful to him in his chosen medical profession. Donald opened a medical practice in Internal Medicine in Stratford Connecticut and Trumbull Connecticut before retiring early due to health concerns in 2011.
Donald was an avid boater and fly fisherman. He also loved dabbling in electronics, putting together computers and donating to those who needed them. those of you who knew him know, his kindness, love, compassion and generosity was boundless. He was placed on this earth to help people, and this was the greatest of his accomplishments.
The most important thing in his life was his best friend and soul mate, his beloved wife Hyla. She was the love and light of his life and he, hers.
Donald is survived by his adoring wife, Hyla, his mother, Phyllis Rogolsky , sons Nathan Austrian , Edward Austrian and his wife Teresa, a sister Sandra Austrian, two step children, Michael Abramson and his fiance Karen and Bethany Abramson. He is also survived by two beautiful step grandchildren, Sydney and Brennan. He leaves many dear extended family members, patients and friends. He was predeceased by his father Herman, his brother Kenneth.
Hyla would also like to thank the many wonderful doctors and nurses at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Womens Hospital for the wonderful care and compassion shown to Donald during his illness.
Thank you to Barbara and Fred Lown for opening their home to Donald and Hyla during the numerous trips to Boston hospitals.
A funeral service will be held on May 8, 2016 at 1:00 PM at the Jewish Funeral Home on 471 Deering Ave., Portland, ME. Interment immediately following the service at Mount Sinai Cemetery. Details for shiva will be announced at the service.
In lieu of flowers, Hyla kindly asks that donations in Donald's memory be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute 10 Brookline Place West 6th Floor Brookline MA. 02445.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Austrian
Sponsored by HYLA AUSTRIAN.
Paul Palumbo Jr
October 26, 2023
I can't believe after all this time sadly I'm just now seeing this. So very sorry to Hyla. And Dr. Austrian thank you always for the wonderful care you gave to me for many years. Rest now with Jesus.
Bobby Ramos
May 2, 2021
Dr. D,
As we are approaching the five year anniversary of your passing, just know that I think about you all the time. I remember how much you did for me concerning not only my physical health but my mental health when my father passed away. I miss our long conversations every time I visited and of course our lunches and the conversations were amazing. You were such a great man I am sure that you are resting in peace and power, may God bless your spirit and soul.
Gloria Harris
February 19, 2020
Hyla- was looking to find Dr Austrian and saddened to learn of his passing. If not for him I would probably not be here myself today as he helped don't know if you remember me. He was my Dr.for many years from his Stratford practice before moving to Trumbull and only because of insurance forced me to change Drs. He was one of a kind and I never found another like him. He took the time with you. He would give a hug when you needed it. I too lost my husband of 45 years 8/20/16 also from cancer. Never does a day go by that I don't miss him. I have just had to learn to live without him so I know your pain.
Pearse Derrig
April 27, 2019
Donny and I went to Trumbull high school together and became good friends
He was one of the most memorable characters I'd ever had the pleasure of knowing, brilliant and eccentric, we never stopped laughing
Love, Pearse
LaTasha Brown
April 19, 2018
Dr. Donald Austrian was my doctor for years, he was a great and kind doctor, he was a wonderful man full of love and inspiration. He will be forever missed.
Bobby Ramos
November 12, 2017
Dr.D,as great of a doctor that you where, you where even a better man. You took great care of me and we had many great conversations in & out of the office. I miss our lunches but I truly miss you and your friendship, you are my dear brother.RIP my friend.
Bud Hyman
November 10, 2017
Hyla, in searching for you I learned of Donald's passing. I am so sorry. I am glad to see you had many happy years together. I am sorry we lost touch. If you wish to speak I invite your call. Again, I am so sorry. Interesting point, since 2011 I have lived about a mile from Donald's old office in Stratford.
Bud Hyman (203) 916-7072
Ed Yazijian
August 11, 2017
I'm so incredibly sad to hear of Donald's passing. I came upon this site when looking for his contact info. I've wanted to get back in touch for a long time just to tell Donald how much his friendship meant to me. He and his family got me through some difficult times in my teenage years, and I learned a lot from them.
I first met Donald through his sister Sandra who was my friend and classmate at Trumbull High School, and I spent many a fine evening with him, Sandra and their brother Kenneth (a musical mentor of mine) in front of the fireplace at their home. Donald had a wicked sense of humor and always made us laugh really hard. The Austrian home on Canoe Brook Lake was always buzzing with activity--great music, food, and conversation. We always felt welcome, and Donald's generosity was well known by all. I lost touch long ago, but I frequently think fondly of those days with Donald and family. My sincere condolences to the Austrian family.
John Noonan
July 31, 2017
I'm in shock, I didn't realize this had happened. My condolences Hiya and to your family.
Dr. "A" was the nicest man I've known. I was not just a patient for a long time, I considered the both of you very good friends. He had the most wonderful, kindest bedside manner I've ever know. I too was in the medical profession and Donald always treated me with the utmost respect. I learned so much about patient care from my old friend. He was always a caregiver and I'm sure he is still caring and looking down on his family and friends the only way Donald knew how!
Diane Toronto
February 24, 2017
Hyla - I just this minute learned of Don's passing. To say that I am shocked and saddened is inadequate. I am so very deeply sorry for your loss. Don was a great guy and had been my physician and I'm very proud to say my friend for many, many years before I moved to NC. The world lost a very devoted, caring physician. I will forever be grateful for the compassion he provided me at some of the lowest points in my life. He was always able to lift my spirits with his quick jokes and sense of humor.
October 23, 2016
Oh Hyla, Fred and I learned only today of our beloved Dr Don's passing. If it were possible to put into words to let you know how much he meant to us, we would. He was our Doctor for so many years and is forever missed. May you always find comfort in the love he surrounded you with and so many others as well.
The world was a better place because of him.
Fred and Carolyn Perez
Mark Thompson
May 13, 2016
Dear Mrs. Austrian:
The physicians and staff of the Fairfield County Medical Association were saddened to learn of the death of your husband, Donald Austrian, MD. He was a valued member of the association since October 1986.
May we extend our sincere sympathy to your family and wish you all well. Also, please do not hesitate to give us a call if we can be of assistance.
Lori Hughes-Findley
May 12, 2016
Hyla and family....Dr Austrian was my dr for many years....I still haven't found another that matches his kind and giving nature....he has and will be missed by many
May 11, 2016
Dearest Hyla and Cherished Family,
Please know that our prayers, love and blessings are with you throughout these difficult moments in your lives. Many fond and amazing reflections and reminiscences dating back to the high school days, will forever be with us for time everlasting.
Bobby, Sherri and Family
May 8, 2016
God rest Dr. Austrian... John Curry. Madison New Hampshire
Bob Bajoros
May 8, 2016
Dear Austrian family,
I remember Donald fondly. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this tragic time.
Cindy Ambrosey
May 7, 2016
Hyla & Family I'm so sorry for your loss of a wonderful caring man/doctor. I think of you both often....he will be truly missed. Stay strong...
May 7, 2016
Our sympathies go out to the Austrian Family and as I told his loving wife Hyla,Dr. Donald was not only a great, compassionate doctor but even a better loving,caring, and compassionate man,and my DEAR FRIEND for life. We miss you Dr. Donald.
May 7, 2016
Phyllis & Family,
Sending my sympathy to you on Donald's passing. He was a young boy when we would study at your kitchen table on Driftwood amidst the sculptor (my doctor) & the sculptures.
Jo-Ann Perrocco (UB friend)
May 7, 2016
Hyla,
Our thoughts are with you. Dr. Don was my doctor and friend for years and he will be truly missed. My sincere sympathy in your loss.
Fred and Kris Lorch
Bill and Beth Anton
May 7, 2016
Hyla and the Austrian family our thoughts are with you at this time. Dr Don was a big part of our lives for many years. RIP Dr.Austrian and thank you for all your help.
Rose Blackwell
May 7, 2016
R.I.P. Doctor Donald. You were a wonderful human being, Your caring and kindness will never be forgotten. You were my MD for many years. I have not found another like you. My condolences to the Austrian family. May God keep you in his hands during this very difficult time.
Mr/Mrs Rique Maldonado
May 7, 2016
RIP Dear friend and our doctor for many years, you well be truly miss by all.
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