David D. Austin

David D. Austin, age 88 of Campbell, NY passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025 at Steuben Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare. Born on November 29, 1936 in Campbell, NY, he was the son of the late Floyd and Ida (Havens) Austin.
David was a graduate of Campbell High School, class of 1956 and later attended Alfred State. David married Dorothy Reed on November 22, 1958. He joined the United States Army, serving from 1960 to 1962. He worked for over 10 years at Ingersoll Rand before working as a Region 6 Equipment Instructor for the NYS Department of Transportation for 25 years before his retirement. During David's career, he was recognized for numerous awards relating to his outstanding contributions and excellence of service in the DOT.
David was an avid sports fan. For 18 years he enjoyed coaching little league baseball, softball and basketball. When his coaching years were over, he could be found outside shooting hoops and playing catch with his grandsons. He loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals and held season tickets for the Buffalo Bills. He was a member of the Campbell American Legion and also served as a volunteer Fireman for the Campbell Fire Department. David and his family loved to travel, taking many family trips throughout the United States, including to the Grand Canyon. After retirement, he developed a love for Belgian and Clydesdale horses and began a 20 year journey of sharing that love with others. He and Dorothy traveled to Branson, MO and Flint, MI where they took part in draft horse shows. When they were home they shared their horses with the community in local parades, weddings and Christmas hay rides at tree farms. His grandchildren later enjoyed personal wagon rides with the horses. When he wasn't taking part in community events and traveling, David enjoyed being home, playing with his grandchildren, playing cards with his family and tending to his flower and vegetable gardens. His lawn was his pride and joy, and you could often find him on his lawn mower, making everything look pristine.
David is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Dorothy Austin; children: Mark (Michelle) Austin, Cynthia (Larry) Rice, Christopher (Tracy) Austin; grandchildren: Afton (Vinny) Cordes, Erik Austin, Ryan (Victoria) Simmons, Nicholas (Nicole) Austin, Andrew Daw, Bristol (Kyle) Knarr, Pacen Austin, Jason (Tricia) Rice, Holly Rice; 14 great grandchildren; brothers: Doug (Betty) Austin, William (Josephine) Austin; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by his daughter, Catherine Austin; brothers: Robert, Warren, Harold, Walt and Floyd, Jr. Austin; sisters: Marion Austin Stedge, Anna Austin Sherwood and Laura Austin Warn.
Family and friends are invited to visitation on Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Phillips Funeral Home, 17 W. Pulteney St., Corning. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 8508 Main St. Campbell. Burial with full military honors will follow in the family plot in Hope Cemetery of Campbell.
In lieu of flowers, donations in David's name may be sent to: Hope Cemetery of Campbell, 8995 State Route 415, Campbell, NY 14821.