Austin h emery

d. April 14, 2013

Dunham Hollow, Nassau - Austin Hart Emery, 87, went home to be with the Lord on April 14, 2013 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy battle with melanoma. Born December 16, 1925 in Green Springs, Ohio, he was the son of the late Orrin J. and Annie Crockett Emery. After losing his parents at a young age, Austin went to live with his Crockett family in the farming community of Grelton, Ohio. It was on the flat lands of the family farm during the Great Depression where he was instilled with a love of rural life, storytelling, problem solving and honest hard work. Austin was granted tremendous opportunity for an extensive education and service to his Country by the United States Navy. His education began at the Moody Bible Institute. His Navy career allowed him to continue his education at Indiana State Teachers College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and to earn a Master’s Degree in soils mechanics from Harvard which led to a lifelong career as a professional engineer. Attaining the rank of Commander, Austin worked at the Pentagon and with the Weapons Effects Research Program testing the effects of atomic weapons. He was an avid outdoorsman who hunted and fished across North America which provided the basis for new friends, wonderful memories and adventurous stories that have been shared with generations of his extended family. Austin introduced his children and grandchildren to the simple life of Esther Island off the coast of Nantucket where the entire family has spent 50 years together on cherished extended vacations. Austin was a kind and patient teacher. He freely shared his love of sailing, fishing, hunting and exploring God’s creation with his family and friends. He expressed his deep faith and love of creation through his relationships and through his works of art. His works in watercolor, pastel and in oils as well as his woodworking projects are treasured gifts of his kindness. Working with his community, Austin helped impact generations of the Dunham Hollow area as he was instrumental in efforts to found and build the Dunham Hollow-West Stephentown Community Center. Together, with his neighbors, Austin helped produce many programs, including the creation of an initiative to prepare rural youth for school before any programs such as Pre-K or Head Start existed. This community support continues to this day through the Dunham Hollow-West Stephentown Scholarship Fund. Austin had served as the Regional Director of Transportation for the State of New York in charge of Watertown region and later as regional director of both New York City and Long Island where he earned a reputation for hard work and high ethical conduct which he instilled in his children and grandchildren. He received the prestigious award of "Engineer of the Year" from the American Society of Professional Engineers in both 1975 and 1977. In 1978 he was recognized as one of the 50 most influential men of Long Island, New York by Newsday magazine for his work in public transportation. Following his retirement from the State of New York, he continued his professional engineering efforts with firms in Boston, Paris and Nigeria. It was in Nigeria that he worked to develop a transportation system for the Capital City of Lagos. During all these adventures his blessings were clear, having survived armed bandits, dangerous circumstances and rough seas. With his beloved wife of 65 years and constant companion, Margaret "Peg" Johnson, they traveled the world making friends wherever they went. Austin was a long time member and spiritual leader of the West Stephentown Baptist Church, a member of the American Society of Professional Engineers, former member of the Rensselaer County Board of Health and the Eastern Rensselaer County Solid Waste Authority. Survivors in addition to his loving wife, include his three children, James MacDonald (Melissa "Lisa") Emery of New Hampton, NH, Mary Faith (Michael) Lacoursiere of Nantucket, MA, Carolyn Anne (Hon. David) Fleming of Nassau; his grandchildren, Binh Van (Jessie) Le, Austin Taylor(Christine) Emery, Jordan Emeline Emery and Chelsea Bragdon Emery, William Frederick Fleming and James Emery Fleming. Also many cousins and a large extended "adopted" family. The family wishes to thank the many friends and caregivers that contributed together to share love, care and companionship during Austin’s illness. Family and friends are invited to call at the West Stephentown Baptist Church, 1672 NY 43, Stephentown, New York, for a service of remembrance and celebration of Austin’s life at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20th. A reception will follow at the church. Interment will be in Hillside Cemetery, Stephentown. The family requests donations be made to the West Stephentown Baptist Church, 1672 NY 43, Stephentown, NY 12168 in memory of Austin H. Emery. Visit perrykomdat.com for directions and private guest book.

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Austin h emery

d. April 14, 2013

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