Neil G. Austin TRENTON - Neil G. Austin, 84, of Trenton, passed away Thursday, March 3, at Compassionate Care Hospice @ RWJUH, Hamilton. Neil was born in Hazelton, PA. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Mansfield State Teachers College and his Masters of Arts in Music and Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. As a music teacher in numerous public school districts, including Fair Lawn (NJ), Ramsey (NJ), and DeKalb (IL), Neil was particularly well-known for his choral conducting, direction of numerous musicals, and preparation of New Jersey All-State Choruses. After retiring from teaching, he established Heir of Richard, Inc. and became an outstanding cabinet maker designing and building heirloom quality custom furniture throughout the NJ/PA area. Neil’s favorite leisure activities included collecting Stanley hand tools (he became quite an expert) and fly fishing (including tying his own flies). Son of the late Roy Slingerland Austin and Alice Hallock Austin, father of the late John Austin and father-in-law of the late Willard Bussard, Neil is survived by his wife, Sandra Hoffmann Austin; his children, Deborah Bussard of North Rose, NY, Neil (Marsha) Austin of Coudersport, PA, and Peter Austin of Elgin, IL; 6 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; his brother, John Austin of Manlius, NY; sister, Janice (Ken) MacDonald of Huntington Station, NY; and also nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 11:00 am, at the Covenant Presbyterian Church, 471 Parkway Ave. in Trenton, NJ. Gathering of friends and family will begin at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (C.H.O.P.) or to the Covenant Presbyterian Church, 471 Parkway Ave, Trenton, NJ. Arrangements are under the direction of the M. William Murphy Funeral Home, 935 Parkway Ave., Ewing, NJ 08618. Please visit www.murphyfh.com for additional information.

Published by The Trentonian from Mar. 24 to Mar. 27, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for NEIL AUSTIN

Sponsored by M. William Murphy Funeral Home - Ewing.

27 Entries

David Knight

March 18, 2023

Mr. A was a huge part of who I am today, inspiring both my life-long efforts toward excellence and my appreciation of fine music. Rest in peace!

david knight

March 18, 2022

By now, I've lost a number of close relatives and friends, but Neil Austin is one think of almost daily. Every time I hear a piece of music we sang in RHS Chorus (many can be found at youtube.com) fond memories of RHS Chorus & NJ All-State Chorus, especially rehearsals where we interacted personally with Mr. A, flood back. I really miss him but his music and memories live on!

David Knight

March 18, 2021

For years singing in his chorus @ Ramsey High School (1958-1961) Neil inspired in me the pleasure of listening to good music and, more importantly, the pure joy of singing in a chorus, especially a Capella! Sometimes, the harmony is so rich that it becomes quite emotional. God bless him and his family, may he rest in peace!

Neil & friend, 05/05/2006

Dave Knight

March 20, 2020

Jacquelyn Scott

March 19, 2020

I, too, give complete credit for my love of music to this wonderful teacher. There's hardly a day that goes by that I don't think of something he taught us. I was a good student but I lived for chorus. 8 semesters of HS and 2 electives each semester gave me a strong love of music and harmony. He was by far my favorite teacher.

David Knight

March 18, 2020

My love of music, inspired by Mr. Austin, prompted me to join the Radford University Chorus for their presentation of Mozart's Requiem. As was the case with RHS Chorus, the rehearsals were more fun than the actual performance. Singing with a "real" chorus again after so many decades produced in me some intense nostalgia for RHS Chorus and my long friendship with Mr. Austin. At times, I felt he was watching ... and listening. Thank you, Mr. Austin! You will always be in my thoughts & prayers.

david knight

March 18, 2019

One way or another, Neil and I would reconnect at Christmas time, usually with a long phone call, reminiscing about Ramsey High School chorus and our long-time friendship. For me, he was a life-mentor, imprinting upon me his passion for excellence in all that one does and his love of fine music. I think of him often.

Ramsey High 1962 Album 2 records 4 sides

Vaughn Brown Ramsey 1962 [email protected]

March 22, 2018

Back of Album Mr. Austin recorded for us.

Vaughn Brown Ramsey 1962 [email protected]

March 22, 2018

Linda Tobias

October 1, 2016

Mr. Austin made music challenging, fun and limitless. Best experience was making a choral Christmas album. Because of my love of music and Mr. A's help with college audition I became a music therapist. I recently signed a contract to provide music therapy at a regional hospice program. I hope music therapy was available to Mr. A in his last months. He touched many lives. Linda Craig Tobias

Dekalb,IL Class of 78. Mr. Austin instilled in me a lifelong love of music and a drive to always perform better.

Ellen Cromwell

October 1, 2016

Anne Sousa

April 6, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Austin was a fine teacher who taught us how to reach his high standards. One of my friends took chorus just so that he could listen to Mr. Austin speak about philosphy. "Welcome Christmas" was a song that he wrote will Mr. Gass who was a band teacher. I have taught the song to my students and remember it well. May the Lord comfort you and bless you with many dear memories.

Christine Lough

April 4, 2016

Your father/grandfather influenced my life. I was a singer in his Ramsey HS chorus and folk song group. Such a strong positive influence during my formative years. His composition "Welcome Christmas" is forever in my heart. Thank you, Mr. Austin.

Jackee Allen

April 4, 2016

I've never forgotten Mr Austin. My deepest condolences to his family and many friends. I looked forward to his class, more than any other. Jackee Allen, RHS Class of 1963

Peggy Moncrief

April 4, 2016

Mr A gave us all a love of music and made musicians out of us! One of my all time favorite teachers. Peggy Terwilliger Moncrief, Ramsey Class of '65. RIP Mr. Austin

Jackee Allen

April 4, 2016

My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Neil Austin. He'll forever be "Mr. Austin" to me, as I have such fond memories of my years in Ramsey High School Chorus. Teachers come and go in my memory at this point, but I've never forgotten Mr. Austin. His love and passion for the music he taught us, rubbed off. The Class of '63 even recorded an album, which I still have. Every time I hear the Hallelujah Chorus to this day, brings me back to the many hours we practiced singing it for our Christmas Concert. I hope he knew how much he meant to his students. He was loved and respected for sure. May Jesus wrap His arms of love around each and every family member, and give you the peace only He can at a time like this.

Anne Shirako

April 4, 2016

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I sang in Neil's chorus for four years at Ramsey High School. Neil's the only teacher I actually still remember. He definitely gave me a love of (and respect for) harmony and a joy in singing choral music.

I remember the Christmas music he wrote--well, remember is probably the wrong word. I remember performing it and loving it--it should have made the big time. I wish I could remember the melody.

Funny, I remember being kind of jealous of the band kids who got to hang out in the basement band room with him. I think I had a wee crush on him--at least I wanted to be a better singer than I was so that he would notice me. Gee, that was a long time ago. Teenagers are so silly.

Anyway, he was a wonderful teacher--I think he inspired all of us to love music and to be our best.

I want to share another chorus with a wonderful director. PS 22's Greg Breinberg has the same bright spirit, love of music, and ability to inspire as Neil Austin had.

Enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITd5pesVjpY

Yours, Anne Shirako

Lewis

April 2, 2016

So sorry to read of this loss to the family. The loving-kindness of God can sustain you through this difficult time. May you find a measure of comfort sharing loving memories.

Barbara (Greenfeld) Schuler

March 31, 2016

Condolences to the family. Mr Austin taught me not only choir but musical theatre including the whole spectrum of technical theater -something I still use to this day.

Larry Hochman

March 31, 2016

My condolences to the family of Neil Austin.
As a student in the Fair Lawn High School chorus, Mr. Austin was a great influence on me. All best wishes.

Edith Multop

March 30, 2016

Cannot believe a dear man as Neil is gone. Will miss his smile and wisdom.

March 30, 2016

May our Loving Heavenly Father support and comfort the family as you share loving memories of Neil and a life well lived. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

March 29, 2016

To the family and friends of Neil Austin my deepest condolences on your loss. May you find comfort and strength in our loving Heavenly Father during this difficult time.

March 29, 2016

I took chorus for all four years at RHS because of Mr. Austin. We learned so much about the joys of music and it was a class that I always looked forward to...especially on a really bad day.

David Knight

March 29, 2016

Neil lived his life well, and inspired many of us at Ramsey High School. I'm sure that "All the trumpets sounded for him, on the other side." ("Valiant For Truth", Ralph Vaughan Williams)

Jacque Philip scott

March 29, 2016

I am so very sorry to hear of Mr A's passing. I was one of the chorus kids from Ramsey and give him complete credit for my love of music. There is hardly a day that I don't think of him with great fondness and really aspect. He is with the angels.

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