Kenneth C. Austin

LEWISTON — Kenneth C. Austin, 87, formerly of Sunrise Lane in Lewiston, died Friday morning, April 13, at d’Youville Pavilion with family at his side.

He was born in Auburn on Feb. 20, 1931, one of three children born to William and Sadie (Cliff) Austin. Ken was educated in Auburn schools and graduated from Edward Little High School. On July 27, 1957, he married the former Bruna Spugnardi and together they settled in Lewiston after his retirement to raise their family. Bruna predeceased him on Feb. 21, 2014. Mr. Austin was a career military veteran having served his country for 21 years in the Air Force from 1951 to 1972 and served tours of duty during both the Vietnam and Korean Wars until his honorable discharge in 1972.

Following his retirement from the service, Ken worked for a number of years at Day’s Funiture, Quoddy Moccasin and Trustworthy Hardware. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Ancient Brothers #178 A.F & A.M. in Auburn, American Legion Post 135 in Sabattus, the VFW and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club #618 in Lewiston. Among his favorite enjoyments in his free time were hunting and fishing.

Kenneth was a loving, devoted and hardworking husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed. He leaves behind his two sons from Sabattus, Bruce Austin and his wife, Louise, and Mark Austin and his wife, Anita; five grandchildren, Stacy Joslyn and husband, Garrett, Jeremy Austin and fiancée, Crystal Murphy, Benjamin Austin and wife, Alishia, Joseph Austin and companion, Natashia Douglas, and Patrick Austin and partner, Miles Labonte; six great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Dorothy Austin, of Leeds.

Ken was predeceased by his wife, Bruna; his parents; his sister, Betty Austin Haines; and his brother, William Austin.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to the doctors and nursing staff on 3 West at d’Youville Pavilion and also to the nursing staff of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, especially Donna Dionisio for the care and compassion shown to Ken and his family during his time there. They also wish to thank Helen Spugnardi and Pat Tardif for their caring ways and for making his time there more pleasant.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with Ken’s family by visiting their online guestbook at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.