Edward Normand Austin, 83

Edward Normand Austin, 83, formerly of Westwood Village in Claremont, New Hampshire, passed away Friday, Dec. 9, 2016 at Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont, New Hampshire following a period of failing health, and an extended stay at the V.A. in White River Junction, Vermont.

He was born in Springfield, Vermont to Elwood and Ruth Austin on Oct. 15, 1933. He was predeceased by his wife Shirley Austin of Claremont, New Hampshire and brother John Austin of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania. He grew up in South Reading, Vermont.

Ed was a retired Navy veteran. While living in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, he was president of the Fuzzy Few Organization and served as a Borough Councilman. He worked as a draftsman for Gannett Fleming, Inc of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for 30 years before retiring to Claremont, New Hampshire in 1995 after completing his work on the “Big Dig” in Boston. He later worked another 15 years driving the community bus in Claremont.

He was a member of the V.F.W. and the Elks Lodge, both of Claremont, New Hampshire Edward had a great sense of humor, was an avid reader, and enjoyed making puzzles and traveling the backroads of his hometown of Reading, Vermont reliving old stories of home. He was very proud of being the oldest Austin male.

Members of his family include his daughter Laurel Austin Hartwell and husband, Peter; and his son, Stephen Austin of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania; a grandson, Ryan Austin; a granddaughter Nicole Young and her husband Brian; three great granddaughters; Sarah, Samantha, Sabrina, all of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania. Two brothers: Andrew Austin and his wife Judith of Claremont New Hampshire, Tim Austin and his wife Diane of Weathersfield, Vermont. Two sisters: Anne Austin Demers and husband George of E. Thetford, Vermont and Elaine Austin Crossman and husband Phil of Vinalhaven, Maine plus many nieces and nephews

The family wishes to extend our deep appreciation to Dr. Ivar Frithsen and the nurses and support staff at Valley Regional Hospital; also the staff at the VA in White River Jct. and Bayada Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care. A special thank you to his niece Julie for the care she gave him during his time of need.

Per his request there will be no formal services. In Lieu of flowers, Please send donations to The American Cancer Society or Sullivan County Humane Society at 14 Tremont St. in Claremont, New Hampshire. Arrangements are with the Stringer Funeral Home and Crematorium, 146 Broad St. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.