Obituary of Michael Austin

Michael Lynn Austin Michael Lynn Austin, age 53, of Millcreek Twp., passed away unexpectedly in the early hours of Friday, December 11, 2009. Mike was a loving husband, caring father, stellar role model and one of the best friends who anyone could ask for. He made the lives of those around him better in so many ways. Those who knew him well will remember him for his snappy report, his heartfelt laughter and a giant smile. Mike touched the lives of many in the community in various ways through his generous heart. He spent years as a youth sports coach, as a member of several car racing clubs, and as an active participant of a gourmet club. Mike was passionate about his race car and lived proudly as an avid Raiders and Yankees fan. As the host father to numerous exchange students, Mike also helped bring Erie a little closer to the rest of the world. He reinforced those bonds by maintaining relationships with his extended family around the world, traveling to visit them often. Learning from his lessons, both of his children studied abroad extensively as exchange students during university years and afterwards. Mike completed his bachelor's degree at SUNY Fredonia while working at Welch Foods in Westfield, NY. Upon completion he was a supervisor at Falconer Glass in Falconer, NY. He earned his MBA at Penn State Behrend. He was employed by Lord Corporation for the 21 years he lived in Erie. His most current position was Aerospace Sourcing Manager. Mike avidly pursued his quest for knowledge in all areas of his life. Michael, the son of Thomas and Joyce Austin, was born on July 15, 1956 in Dunkirk, NY. He is survived by his wife of 32 and a half years, Linda, 51, and their two children, Sarah, 31, of Denver, CO and Matthew, 29, of New Orleans, LA; his siblings: Dale, Robert, Pam Ostrander, Mark and Deena Lahnen; and a large extended family. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Joyce, and his sister, Barbara. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family in care of the funeral home for a memorial scholarship, in development to support international student travel. Viewing will be held at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd., Erie, PA 16506, on Monday, December 14th. A private viewing will be held from 2-3 p.m. and an open viewing from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. Remembrances will be shared beginning at 6:00 p.m. Enhance your memorial with a slideshow and video