John Freeman Austin

John Freeman Austin, age 78, born in New Britain, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2024. John graduated from Newington High School in 1964. He was born, raised, and lived in Newington for most of his life. He was drafted and served in the US Army from 1965-1967 and fought in Vietnam. He graduated from New England Technical Institute and taught HVAC for a year before he went to work for SNET (now AT&T) for 25 years before retiring. John leaves behind fond memories of building kit cars, working on cars and trucks, and fixing just about anything. He loved being outside. You could bribe him with some soft serve or a cheeseburger any day, any time. He would never say "goodbye", he said "see ya later." John was predeceased by his parents, Agnes and Raymond Austin; his brother Lee Austin of SC; and his brother-in-law and partner-in-crime Ken Murray of Newington. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 55 years, Harriet (Finegan) Austin, his sister Rita Hebert of SC, his children: son John Austin, daughter April Blazuk and husband Steven Blazuk, and daughter Sheila Messano and husband Paul Messano Jr; and his cherished grandchildren of whom he was extremely proud: Emily Austin and fiancée John Walker, Cooper Austin, and Steve Blazuk. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, October 10th, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Duksa Family Funeral Home at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington followed by a brief prayer service at 6:00 p.m. Burial will be private in the CT State Veteran's Cemetery in Middletown. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarrior.org. To share memories or express condolences online, please visit us at www.duksa.net.
See ya later.