FRANKLIN – Mark Anthony Austin, 50, passed away Aug. 8, 2011, at his residence. He was born Feb. 22, 1961, in Ellsworth, son of Richard T. Austin and Gloria J. (DeWitt) Austin.
Mark was educated in the Ellsworth school system. He worked as an auto mechanic for several years and then as a boat mechanic with Jock Williams Boat, Hall Quarry, and
Hinckley Boat, Southwest Harbor. This love of engines also led to one of his favorite pastimes, which was auto racing. He was the mechanic first for his brother and then for his good friend, Andy. Together the results of their efforts were rewarded with numerous trophies and championships throughout the years. Aviation was another interest and he and his brother spent many hours flying for pleasure and attending flyins. He was an avid ham radio operator with a collection of cards from those he had talked with from all over the world. He also took pride in the fact he was able to make radio contact with several of the astronauts as they passed over Maine and received autographed photos from them. Two of his favorite trips were to Florida to observe a launch and Houston to visit mission control.
Mark is survived by his daughter, Megan Sue Austin and grandson, Brandon Beal, of Brooklin; his brother, Jonathan Austin and niece, Ayla Carney, of Otis; his grandmother, Alice Worcester and husband, B. Conley Worcester, of Southwest Harbor; his aunt, Mary Farnsworth; cousins, Billie Jo Stanwood and Daniel Farnsworth, of Cherryfield; his father, Richard Austin and stepmother, Margaret Austin, of Trenton; her children, Joseph Debeck and Jennifer Patten; and his mother, Gloria Austin of Ellsworth.
A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at Woodbine Cemetery, Ellsworth. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. Condolences may be expressed at
www.jordanfernald.com.