John Howard Austin, Jr.

            John Howard Austin, Jr., 79 of Altoona died Tuesday August 23, 2022, at his residence.

            He was born March 12, 1943, in Altoona a son of the late John Howard, Sr. and Helen Elizabeth (Emery) Austin. He married Paula Gail Smith on November 3, 1962, in South Carolina.

            Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Janice L. White of Georgia, and Pamela R. Dutko of State College; four grandchildren, Jordan White, Kendall White, Cody Dutko, and Tristyn Dutko; a brother James “Jim” Austin of Mexico; and a niece, Justine Austin-Stepovich of California.

            Mr. Austin was a member of First Church of Christ, Altoona where he served as chairman of the trustees.

            He was a 1961 graduate of Altoona High School, and he attended Shippensburg State University.

            John held many positions with Norfolk Southern Railroad and retired from South Altoona in 2005 following 45 years’ service.

            John’s passion was baseball and he put his heart and soul into the game. He enjoyed baseball as a coach, player, and spectator. John enjoyed Duke basketball, Steelers football, Penn State football, traveling, and bowling. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and friends.

            John was the “best grounds-keeper” and served as a groundskeeper at the Juniata baseball field.

In addition to serving as national AAABA executive director, John had a lead role on the franchise committee and was the driving force in the Altoona AAABA franchise. Previously, he had served as AAABA national president during two terms in 1998-1999 and 2016-2017.

            John was the first president of the Altoona Curve Booster Club and enjoyed being a Curve season ticket holder from the very first year.

            Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday August 26, 2022, and 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday August 27, 2022, at First Church of Christ, 113 Good Shepherd Road, Altoona where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor John Collins officiating.

            Entombment will be made at Alto Reste Park Cemetery.

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