April 15, 2017

In Memoriam: Paul J. Austin ’63; Mal Brown Award recipient mentored young alumni

BY DEB HAZIAN

Paul J. Austin ’63, a longtime alumni volunteer and PC athletics booster, died after a brief illness on Feb. 26, 2017.

Paul J. Austin '63
Paul J. Austin ’63

A devoted alumnus and fan of the Friars’ men’s hockey and basketball teams, Mr. Austin was a member of the Greater Providence Chapter of the National Alumni Association, the Mal Brown Club, and was honored with its Mal Brown Award in 2013. The award was presented in recognition of his longtime volunteer service and financial support for the College. He regularly attended College and alumni events, including career nights, and served on the Annual Fund Committee and the Mal Brown Club board.

A native of Pittsfield, Mass., Mr. Austin graduated from PC with a degree in social studies and education. He taught school in Woonsocket, R.I., and Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., before launching a second career in financial management and precious metals refining. In 1967, he began working as a sales executive in pharmaceuticals, investments, and precious metals, and he became a market development director with Ohio Precious Metals, LLC in 1979. Mr. Austin was most recently a sales/customer service representative at Merrill Edge, an online brokerage service in Lincoln, R.I., where he lived.

At Merrill Edge, he was a popular employee and mentor to the group of young PC alumni who worked at the company, according to Mark Caprio ’14, senior investment specialist.

Caprio, of Cranston, R.I., recalled meeting Mr. Austin in 2014 as their training overlapped. They joined the same specialty team a year later. “Paul was very good at making friends and was a friend to everyone,” said Caprio.

It didn’t take long for Mr. Austin to find fellow Friars at Merrill Edge, noted Caprio.

“We always talked Friars basketball and Friars news,” he said. “He was very humble about his charity. He was on several committees at PC and never boasted or bragged. He still had the desire to give back to the school and stay involved. He set an example for all the young alumni that involvement is not something temporary, but something that lasts a lifetime.”

Mr. Austin offered sage advice and was a very good coach, according to Caprio.

“He always saw the big picture,” said Caprio. “He taught me that you have to know people’s motivations and not jump to conclusions too quickly. Instead of jumping right into the numbers, he would build a rapport with clients. He added a personal touch to what could be a very dry financial conversation. That’s something I take with me in my approach to management and other situations.

“He was a good role model and knew what mattered most — family, friends, and Friars. It wasn’t always about business.”

An active community volunteer and mentor, Mr.  Austin participated in a broad range of activities, from professional to educational to recreational organizations. He was the founder and past president of the Jaycee Chapter in Goshen, N.Y.; past president of the Providence Jewelers Club; a board member of the Town of Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department; past president and team manager of the Upper Valley Little League; past president of the Parents Guild at Our Lady of Providence High School and La Salle Academy in Providence; a mentor at the San Miguel School in Providence; and a CCD instructor at St. Jude’s Parish in Lincoln.

Mr. Austin is survived by his wife, Jean M. (Masiello) Austin; three sons, Sean M. Austin, Timothy P. Austin, and Colin J. Austin; and four grandchildren.

His funeral was held on March 4 at St. Jude’s Church, Lincoln.