H. Donald Austin             “beloved brother and uncle”

H. Donald “Don” Austin, 82, of Shinglehouse, passed away on Friday, December 13, 2024, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, after a long illness.

Born on Thursday, July 16, 1942 in the Mountain Clinic in Olean, NY, he was a son of Howard E. and Mary E. Taylor Austin.  On January 23, 1971 he married Laura H. Houck Kochel, who passed away on July 31, 1986.

Don was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School, Class of 1960, Shinglehouse.  Following graduation, he enjoyed farming with his father. Don retired from Pierce Glass in Port Allegany.  

He enjoyed spending time camping, fishing, boating and winters in Florida.

Surviving are a sister, Edith Walker of Ceres, PA; a stepdaughter, Laurell (John) Stoltzfus of New Holland; a stepson, David (Deb) Kochel of Morgantown; two nieces, Alicia (Dan) Antonioli and Tammy (Jim) Watson; two nephews, Ken (Shelly) Austin and Jim (Amy) Austin; sixteen grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; eleven grandnieces and grandnephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Don was predeceased by a brother, Harold L. Austin; a stepson, Douglas (Bonnie) Kochel; a stepdaughter, Margaret Kochel Wilcox; a nephew, Thomas Austin; a sister-in-law, Marjorie Austin; and a brother-in-law, Bernard Walker.

Private graveside services will be held in the Bell Run Cemetery, Shinglehouse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Don’s name may be made to the Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 651, Coudersport, PA 16915.

Don entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Don, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.