Robert Nathan Austin, Jr. passed away peacefully on Tuesday at Hartford Hospital at the age of 86.
Born on April 26, 1940, in Riceboro, Georgia, to Robert Nathan Austin Sr. and Eldora West Austin, he eventually settled in Hartford, Connecticut, alongside his brothers Ronald, Norman, and Carl Austin. During his professional career, he dedicated 35 years of service to the May Company (G. Fox/Filenes) until his retirement.
He is survived by Maxine Campbell Austin, his devoted wife of 66 years, as well as his children Mark Steven Austin of East Hartford, Connecticut, and his wife Karen Vanessa Fitzpatrick Austin; Robin Ronette Austin Anderson of East Hartford, Connecticut; Kimberly Austin of Alexander, Virginia; and Tessa Dornell Austin of Glastonbury, Connecticut. His family also includes seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, alongside numerous other relatives and friends.
Austin built a life centered on family, hard work, and steadfast dedication after relocating from Georgia to Hartford. Over more than three decades with the May Company, he established a lasting presence in the local business community before entering his well-earned retirement.
Preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Ronald and Norman Austin, and his sisters Brenda and Helen Austin, he leaves behind a large and extended family network. His surviving brothers and sisters consist of Waren Austin, along with William Austin and his wife Charmayne Austin, Carl Austin and his wife Barbara Austin, and Betty McCray alongside her husband Clarence McCray.
Remembered lovingly by his relatives under the nickname G-Pop, he is survived by his grandchildren—Sophia Morgan Austin, Brandon Nicole Hill, Nathaniel Steven Austin, Tyrell Marc Austin, Elijah Maxwell McWhite, Miles Austin Jackson, and Matthew Bryce Anderson—as well as his great-grandchildren Laylah Maxine Newbern, Kash Montez Hill, and D’Mari Najae Brown.
Funeral arrangements and coordination are being handled through Carmon Community Funeral Homes. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date, and floral tributes or memorial tree plantings can be arranged through the funeral home’s floral store.
