John Joseph Austin Jr.'s Obituary
John Joseph Austin Jr., age 69 of Rehoboth Beach, DE, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 15, 2018 at Beebe Healthcare, in Lewes. He was born on February 14, 1949 in Charlottesville, VA, son of the late John Joseph Sr. and Eva Estelle (Bragg) Austin.
Mr. Austin was a 1971 graduate of the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry. He dedicated 33 years of his life to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a chemical engineer, earning three Commendable Service bronze medals for his efforts. After moving to Delaware in 2002, Mr. Austin has been a dedicated environmental activist. He worked tirelessly to reverse and prevent the ongoing destruction of our environment including alternative energy sources, air quality improvement, wells for safe drinking water, and the preservation of wetland habitats. An avid wildlife photographer, he had an eye for capturing the beauty of nature in all its forms. Mr. Austin also enjoyed a green thumb, as evidenced by his abundant flower gardens and landscaping. He enjoyed dining out and trying craft beers along with the occasional round of golf. More than anything, however, Mr. Austin was a family man who cherished time spent with those he held dear. He was a loving, unselfish person who thought of everyone else before himself. He was a devoted son, husband, stepfather, granddaddy, and friend. He was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him.
Mr. Austin is survived by his Mother, Eva; his beloved wife of 32 years, Martha (Talbot) Austin; her children, David Heiskell (Bridget) of Pasadena, MD and Karen Collins (John) of Annapolis, MD; and his grandsons: Brian Collins and Matthew Heiskell.
A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Riverview Cemetery, 1701 Chesapeake Street, Charlottesville, VA.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at 4:00 PM at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, where friends may visit beginning at 3:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in his memory be made to The Inland Bays Foundation, Inc., Attn: John Austin Memorial, PO Box 521, Bethany Beach, DE 19930. For more information on the foundation or to donate online, please visit: https://inlandbaysfoundation.org.
Please sign the online guestbook located on this site.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS BY 10 AM WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.
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