Bruce A. Austin

Bruce A. Austin, Pittsford, N.Y., passed away March 16, 2025 at age 73. He had a storied career that encompassed academia, scholarly research and the arts. In his professional life, Dr. Austin was Professor Emeritus in Communication at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and Department of Communication Chair for 15 years. He was later Director of RIT Press, the university's scholarly book publishing enterprise. His RIT career spanned nearly 50 years. He was a researcher, scholar, mentor and author of hundreds of articles and numerous books. He curated two exhibits at RIT, "The American Arts & Crafts Movement in Western New York, 1900-1920" and "Frans Wildenhain, 1950-75", and wrote the supporting catalogs. Faculty and students will remember his dedication to higher learning, his generosity with his time, guidance and advocacy.
His writing included journalistic articles for a number of periodicals, often intertwined with connections to film, art and music, some of his areas of expertise. His knowledge of antiques was extensive but he was also an expert in the American Arts and Crafts movement, giving lectures and appraisals. He was always eager to share information with other collectors.
Known for his dry wit, humor, storytelling style and always being a gentleman with utmost integrity.
He leaves behind his wife, Sue; his dog, Nikko; countless friends, valued colleagues and grateful students.
A celebration of his life is being planned at a later date.