Robert M. Austin

Robert M. Austin, age 93, was ushered into the presence of his Lord on June 12, 2017 at The Glen, Lancaster, PA. He was born in Hackensack, NJ October 14, 1923. He was the son of the late Merton R. and Elizabeth W. Austin. He was married to Claudia R. Austin whom he married June 26, 1946. She was the love of his life. Bob entered the US Navy in March 1942 and served aboard a LST in the Mediterranean Theater of War, including the invasion of Sicily and Italy. In March 1944 he entered Brown University with the V12 program, graduating in June 1946, Cum Laude. He was president of his graduating class. He then served another 5 years in the US Naval Reserve. After graduation and marriage he joined the family business, Roofers Supplies, Bergenfield, NJ - Atlantic Building Supplies, Chatham, NJ. He worked there until his retirement in 1989. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Hackensack, NJ. Serving on the Board of Trustees and in many other capacities. He served on the Board of Trustees of the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism, Harrisburg, PA for over 30 years. In 1993 he and his wife moved to Willow Valley Retirement Community, Lancaster, PA. His hobbies included golf, and he was an enthusiastic wood worker. He was predeceased by his wife, Claudia Redmond Austin, a daughter, Kathleen Austin Sommerfeld, and a son, Robert Glen Austin. He is survived by a daughter, Velda Rae Lay and son-in-law, Dr. William Lay, Hixson, TN; son-in-law, Philip A. Sommerfeld of Parrish, FL; daughter-in-law, Jae Marie Austin of Whitehouse Station, NJ; seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren. He was from a large loving family. He was predeceased by three sisters and two brothers, survived by a brother, John W. Austin of Rutland VT. He is survived by many nieces and nephews comprising the Austin family that he loved very much. PSALM 117: 1. Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. 2. For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord. Graveside services will be held at the George Washington Memorial Park on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. with Mr. Philip A. Sommerfeld officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ABWE P.O. Box 8585 Harrisburg PA 17105-8585 or the Brunner Nursing Education Fund at Willow Valley Manor North, 600 Willow Valley Sq. Lancaster, PA 17601.