Bruce A. Austin

Bruce A. Austin, 95, of Albany, NY, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on November 30, 1929, in Hudson N.Y. Bruce lived a long and full life as a devoted patriarch and a gentleman of great kindness and humor. 

A proud graduate of Hudson High School in 1947, Bruce was a standout athlete, excelling in multiple sports, including boxing, wrestling, basketball, football and baseball. His talent on the diamond led him to play third base for the Navy baseball team during his service in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1952, where he served as a gunner and clerk aboard the USS Orion during the Korean War. 

 After his military service, Bruce settled down in Bethlehem, NY. A skilled carpenter in his own right, Bruce built his first house in Delmar, NY, where he created a loving home for his family. Bruce pursued his passion for education, earning a degree from SUNY Cortland. He began his career as a physical education teacher at Hamagrael and Glenmont Elementary Schools, where he inspired young minds for over a decade. To this day, students recount Bruce making gym class a fun experience. Later, he earned a master’s degree in counseling and became a guidance counselor at Bethlehem Central High School, where his calm manner and optimistic outlook on life guided countless young students. Former students often greeted Bruce with fond memories of his contribution to their lives.

 After retirement, Bruce continued to give back to the community he loved so dearly. He spent five years as a bus driver for the Bethlehem Central School District. Similarly, in retirement, Bruce turned his love for carpentry into a rewarding hobby, cabinetry.

 Bruce embraced the simple pleasures of life, from growing vegetables to enjoying crisp autumns in Cape Cod to escaping to the warmth of Florida during the winters, where he created cherished memories with family and friends. A passionate card player, Bruce, on occasion, ventured to Atlantic City and Las Vegas with his friends and family. He loved baseball, serving as a Little League and Babe Ruth League coach, and was co-founder of the Bethlehem Mens’ Baseball League, where he served as President for many years. Ever the athlete, Bruce’s love for sports extended well into his later years, finally hanging up his golf spikes at the impressive age of 89.

 To mourn his loss, Bruce leaves behind a loving family and many friends. He was the treasured husband of 40 years to Anne Fazziola Austin; the beloved father of David Austin (Marlene), Karen Spinelli (Peter), Terry Austin, and Anya Austin. Bruce adored spending time with his seven grandchildren: David Jason Austin (Jennifer), Calyn Austin Sprague (Brian), Brett Spinelli, Sarah Spinelli Calhoun (Michael), Brea Spinelli, Bobbi Shortell, and Jack Shortell. Bruce lived to meet his great-grandchildren, Ryan and Cooper Austin, and Archer Calhoun.

 Bruce was predeceased by his parents, Gertrude and Hugh Austin, and his sister, Patricia Schneeman (Robert). He will also be missed by his in-laws, Frank Fazziola, Lynn Swett, and Lisa Dion. His loving pet, Bobbins will miss him most of all.

 In gratitude for exceptional professionalism and caring hearts, the Austin Family would like to thank Dr. Mkram Jafri, Dr. Daniel Esper, and Dr. Tricia Primomo, along with Bruce’s nurse aides Natasha, Marika, Sherina, Malina, Patty and Zena, Mark Grunert, P.A., of Landmark, and the entire St. Peter’s Hospice team, especially Gayle McCormick.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National Park Service at give.nationalparks.org or St. Peter’s ALS Regional Center sphp.com/services/als-regional-center. 

Godspeed Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather. We will love and remember you always.

A visitation will be held on Sunday December 15th from 2pm-5pm with a Memorial celebration to follow at 5pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd Colonie NY 12205

Interment will take place on Monday December 16th at 12:30pm at the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville NY 12871