Roger Wayne Austin

Roger Wayne Austin passed away on October 25, 2023.  He left behind two children, Craig E. Austin of Norwood, and Brian W. Austin of Needham; his sister-in-law, Sandra E. (Iverson) Preble; his niece and nephews, Heidi A. Garrison, Dana E. Preble, and Todd R. Preble, and a grand nephew, Scott Garrison. He was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Wayne and Claire Austin.

Roger grew up in Watertown, Massachusetts and graduated from Watertown High School.  He then attended Harvard University and graduated with a B.S. in Applied Physics.  One day, he attended an event the Chestnut Hill Benevolent Association. There, he met Sheila Iverson, and married on September 29, 1963.

While at Harvard, Roger went into the Air Force ROTC program and, after graduation, he was stationed at Hanscom Field in Bedford, Mass., and retired with the rank of Captain.   After his service in the Air Force, he then was employed with United Fruit Company, where he was, first, a computer programmer, then was part of the staff to manage the routes of cargo ships transporting Chiquita Brand Bananas.  After that, he was employed at New England Telephone until he retired.

One of their passions was to travel by car, often with a popup trailer in tow. Each summer for many years, the family traveled by road to Illinois, almost never the same way twice. A lot of America and Canada was seen that way, the longest trip took them to Arkansas via Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee.

One of their greater passions throughout life was trains.  Roger and Sheila were active members of the Mass. Bay Railroad Enthusiasts (MassBayRRE) and took occasional trips in the eastern United States by Amtrak. In addition to 'big trains,' they were involved with 'small trains' as well. They became involved in a Live Steam miniature railroad group called the Charlton Railroad, which ran on the Masonic Home grounds in Charlton for about 10 years.  Later, they became members of Waushakum Live Steamers.  Roger typically drove a diesel type engine towing railroad cars where people could get on and take a ride.

Roger was very active in Freemasonry.  He was a Past Master at Belmont-Beaver Lodge (now part of Simon W. Robinson Lodge in Lexington), then affiliated with Norfolk Lodge in Needham.  When his two sons joined Needham Chapter, Order of DeMolay in Needham, he joined the Advisory Council.  For his services, he was bestowed the Legionnaire’s Honor, the highest award given by the Supreme Council of DeMolay.  He also a member of York Rite Masons.  Later in life, he started playing the organ for Norfolk Lodge and many other lodges in the area.  For many years, also, he helped sell Christmas Trees for, first, Needham DeMolay, then Norfolk Lodge.   For his outstanding service to Freemasonry, he was awarded the Joseph Warren Award, the second highest award given by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.  He also received an award for 50 years as a member of the fraternity.

Sheila and Roger were also members of the Sons of Norway and were active in First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Needham. He was also an active member of the Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society.   Roger also helped at the Needham Science Center for some of their events.  He was also involved with Troop 13 in Needham when his sons were involved, there, as well.

Throughout his life, he was kind and always acted as a gentleman.  He was a good father, loving husband, and a benefit to society.

Visiting hours will be held in the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Ave Needham on Thursday, November 9 from 4-7 PM. A Masonic service will take place at 6:30pm. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.  Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society, or Shriners Hospitals for Children,



 

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