HUDSON FALLS – Raymond A. Austin, 74, of Pearl Street, joined his parents and brother in Heaven on Friday, January 7, 2022.
Born May 9, 1947 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late George and Virginia (Forte) Austin.
Ray was a 1965 Hudson Falls High School graduate. He then continued his education at SUNY Albany, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in English. After college, he moved to Boston and eventually settled down in San Francisco. In San Francisco, Ray met the love of his life, Fernando Roman. They were together for 40 years, sharing a lifetime of memories and travels throughout the world.
While in San Francisco, Ray was employed as a bilingual San Francisco Police Officer for over 20 years, retiring in 2002. After his and Fernando’s retirement, they moved to Hudson Falls and made their home on Pearl Street. Ray was so proud of his home and all the work both he and Fernando dedicated to restoring the Bronk House, also known as the Blue Garden.
Upon moving to Hudson Falls, Ray was involved with ESL, teaching English as a Second Language. He also taught adults how to read through the Tri-County Literacy Program. Ray loved his community and was always looking for ways to give. He was a selfless and generous man, continuously doing for his community. He actively delivered for Meals on Wheels and drove seniors to their appointments.
Besides his parents, Ray was predeceased by his brother, Bill Austin.
Survivors include his loving husband of 40 years, Fernando Roman of Hudson Falls; his brother, Donald Austin and his wife, Gail of Glens Falls; his nephew, Bill Austin and his wife, Liz of South Glens Falls; his mother in law, Maria Roman of FL; his brothers in law, Victor Roman and his wife, Alba; Ricky Roman, and Roberto Roman and wife; nieces and nephews, Raquel Lavoy and her husband, Eddie, Robertito Roman, Andres Gonzalez and his wife, Lindsay, Anthony Roman and his wife, Erica, Natalie Wasykoski and her husband, Ben, Pamela Kramer and her husband, Gabe, Robert Roman, Jr. and his fiancé, Melissa, Ashley Roman; great nieces, nephews and cousins; and many wonderful friends that have stood by Ray and Fernando through the years.
His husband, Fernando will be receiving family and friends on Saturday, January 22, 2022, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., in Hudson Falls.
A Celebration of his life will be in the late spring or summer, at his home, where everyone can share memories of Ray and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
Burial will take place at a later date, in Union Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with his parents and brother.
Donations in memory of Ray may be made to the Albany Damien Center, 728 Madison Ave., #100, Albany, NY 12208.
In high school, my girlfriends and I would wait for Ray to ask us to dance, whether it was at the Canteen or the high school gym. We were underclass”women” by 2 grades, class of ’67, but that was part of the thrill! What a beautiful dancer he was, so smooth, a gift for someone his age. I can’t think of anyone who came along after him who could dance like that. My family home was on Catherine St. I had 4 brothers, My brother Dean was Billy’s best friend. He was a fixture at our house, everyone had a crush on him, including me. When Billly died, Dean flew with his body from TX back to HF. A sad time for everyone. George, their father, was our mailman forever! Our boxers Beau & Brandy would greet him on the porch with the mail everyday. Such a nice man. I never saw Ray when he left high school and always wondered what life had in store for him. Sounds like it was something very special….his obituary was so beautifully written. I’m so sorry that he’s not with you on this earthly journey anymore. God Bless you, Fernando, and your family.
I am so sad to hear of Ray’s passing.I had the honor of working Ray in the
SFPD we served at Mission Station together. I was so thrilled when he accepted an appointment to my staff. A truly wonderful person. RIP. Ray My heart goes out to you Fernando.
Love him so much. Your memory will forever live on with our stories, funny moments and enjoying some of your famous recipes or least attempting them. You were a great man, a great leader & you loved Tio Jimmy so much and it showed. You will truly be missed by us. May you Rest In Peace. We love you Tio Ray.
I met Ray at Mission Police Station. He was one of the cool cops who was fun loving and very nice, even to me. I remember he worked in the Captain’s office. One time while out and about we decided to have tamales in the Mission. We really connected and he was always kind and happy to see me. We had lots of laughs. He always had great parties with his beloved Fernando in exceptional properties. They were a dynamic couple and never forgotten. I wish I had made time to visit him in recent years…🙏
Finish with great sorrow I grief the passing of my good friend of 50 years Ray.
He was a friend a, a companion and a wonderful individual!
I will miss him immensely.
I am so sorry for your loss Fernando. Never met Ray but heard a lot of great things about him from Maria, his mother in law (she is my cousin). I know you and the family will miss him terribly but you have great memories of all the good times.
Ray was a trailblazer for LBTQ police officers in San Francisco. Such a fun guy to be around, and you could always count on him to make you smile. He was a great cop and a great human being. So happy that he and Fernando shared such a long life together. Love you Ray and thanks for all of the memories working with you at Mission.
You both are beautiful inside and out. The most giving people I know.
Love you guys.
So sorry for your loss. As I meet Ray for the first time he was such a sweet spirit. Heaven just got a great angel and his memories will be with us forever. God bless
I am thankful for having known such a gracious, kind and beautiful person. From the moment I met Ray and Fernando I knew that they would be there for me and my family should we need their help. Not only Ray was a very fun person be to with but he also was a faithful friend and husband. He shall be missed.
Tio Ray, You were an amazing soul and you loved our family as if they were your own blood. You fit right in with our crazy Puerto Rican life. Your love for Tio Jimmy was endearing. I’m so glad that you were a part of my life. I’m a better person having known and loved you. Thank you for being you. I will miss you. Love, Pammy
Fernando, my heart to your heart ❤
Ray star always shone brightly.
Fernando, my heart to your heart ❤
Ray’s star always shone brightly.
Dear Ray – a good cop and a good man. Charming and so funny. I hadn’t spoken with him in years, yet I can hear his rich laugh. I had the pleasure of working with him at San Francisco’s Mission Station. Before he and Fernando moved to New York, I enjoyed their hospitality and appreciated their enjoyment of each other – a wonderful marriage. May Ray’s spirit rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing for Fernando.
Ray was in our Academy Class (147).
Not many of us left. I worked with Ray at Mission Station for several years.
He was always there to help out anyone.
Rest In Peace , condolences
God Bless Ray and his family!
Mission Station 80’s
Ray, may you always rest in eternal peace. You were always kind and helpful & your Spanish was always above mine. My thoughts & prayers to the Austin family & to Fernando 🙏🏼
I was saddened to read of the passing of Ray. I worked at Mission Station from 80′ to 86′ and that was where I first met Ray. Ray was an amazing person with a great sense of humor, a good heart, a strong spirit, and a desire to make San Francisco a better and safer place for those to live and visit. Mission Station was rocking and rolling at the time with lots of gang, drug, and criminal activity. We as Police Officers relied heavily on each other when we got into bad situations and anyone that worked at Mission Station knew Ray would be there if you called for back-up. I never saw Ray lose his temper like many of us did while dealing with very difficult and dangerous people.
Ray would often talk about his love, “Fernando” and I met Fernando at a Christmas party at their home in Noe Valley. I saw their love for each other and they were an amazing couple. I left Mission Station in 86′ and only saw Ray in passing over the years until his retirement. Ray never changed his big smile and friendly nature. It was truly a pleasure to have known Ray even though I was one of those hard ass straight cops..
Fernando.. I am saddened for your loss and I am a firm believer we all will get together again, just in a different place. Live in Ray’s spirit and love for you… Sincerely
Fernando…I will always cherish the time spent with Ray and you before your departure to Hudson Falls after retiring. I am hopeful that Ray’s spirit of joy, happiness and love of life will always be with you.
With great sadness I say so long to my friend Ray. In my life I have encountered special people I call warm hearts. Ray immediately made you feel welcome and always offered assistance for anything you were doing to help you be successful. Ray taught me the meaning of being part of and contributing to community. A selfless person, a teu warm heart. I shall.miss him dearly until we meet again. My deepest sympathies to Fernando.
To the Austin Family,
I am sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. I hope you find comfort in the wonderful memories you share
Sincerely,
Your cousin
Barb Moehringer
I am so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing and my heart goes out to you, Fernando and both your families. Remember all the wonderful times you shared.
I was so saddened to hear of Ray’s illness and then his passing. Ray was a wonderful human being and I have many fond memories of him at Mission. Some great memories of get togethers with Ray and Fernando, one time specifically. Remember Fernando ;)? My heart goes out to you Fernando and I hope that all those wonderful years of memories you both shared will give you some comfort during this very difficult time. Hugs……RIP Ray