FREDERICK D. AUSTIN

BREWER – Frederick D. Austin, son of the late Effie Corenza and Capt. Fred Austin, passed away April 7, 2008, surrounded by his family and close friends, at his home, after a long illness. Fred graduated from Stonington High School, going on to graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado. Fred also attended The University of Alabama and Beal College. Fred met and married his beloved wife, Victoria Moores of Springfield, to whom he was married for more than 56 years. Fred served more than 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. While in the Air Force, Fred served on an inspection team in Korea. Upon returning from his overseas assignment, Fred became a U.S. Air Force R.O.T.C. instructor at Yale University for three years, after which he was transferred to Dow Air Force Base, Bangor. While at Dow Air Force Base, Fred served as personnel manger and spent one assignment in Labrador, prior to his retirement from the Air Force. Fred was honored to have been a part of the team that had the very difficult, but important, responsibility for overseeing the closure of Dow Air Force Base. After his military retirement, Fred was employed by Guilford Industries as personnel manager. Later, Fred became an area director for the American Cancer Society and took particular pride in having helped to establish the first daffodil days, event for that organization here in Maine. Fred then served as executive director of the Maine chapter of the March of Dimes for 15 years and retired from that position in 1995. Fred spent tireless hours traveling all corners of the state of Maine and enjoyed working with the countless volunteers that made fundraising for these organizations possible. Fred was surrounded by many of these same friends and volunteers at his retirement party in 1995 and cherished all of the relationships he developed with everyone whom he came into contact with over the years. Fred will be remembered by those who knew him for his leadership, integrity and sincere love and caring for his fellow man. Fred was a Mason, member of Kiwanis Club, and American Legion. Fred served on the Dow awards team for the Square and Compass Club Masons traveling the state over. Fred was a member of Beacon of Hope Church of God, Bangor. Fred was predeceased by his mother, Effie Correnza; father, Capt. Fred Austin; his brother, Bernard Austin; and Fred’s dear friend, Kenneth Messervey. Fred is survived by his beloved wife, Victoria Austin; and their son, David M. Austin and his wife, Kelly, of Brewer, and their two children, Jared and Kathryn Austin; his sister, Judy and her husband, Frank Vinhagen, of Lady Lake, Fla.; his sister, Ruth Bracey of Bar Harbor; several nieces and nephews; his very special care person and friend, Barbara Kenny and her little dog, Dapple Dan; and Fred’s two puppies, Torrie Louise and Joy Grace. Fred loved people and having friends and family visit with him at his home in Brewer and the family’s cottage on Bottle Lake. Fred’s long illness prevented him from staying in touch with many of the family and friends he touched during his life, but he always held them dear to his heart. Respecting Fred’s wishes, a service honoring his life with military honors will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, April 10, at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor, where family and close friends may visit 1:30 p.m. until the service begins. Pastor David Beane will preside and burial will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery, Bangor. A time of continued fellowship will be held after the burial. Condolences may be offered at www.kileyandfoley.com.