John T. Austin

Quincy Firefighter John T. Austin, 37 of Quincy died in the line of duty while responding to a call on Monday, July 8, 2013. John was an 11-year veteran of the department and was assigned to Engine 5 in West Quincy.

Born in Boston but a lifelong resident of Quincy, John lived in the city’s Houghs Neck section. He was a graduate of Quincy High School.

 John was a third generation United States Marine. Like his father and grandfather before him, he served his country and the Marine Corps during wartime devoting 4 years of his life to defense of our nation. He remained connected to Marines as member of the William R. Caddy Detachment of the Marine Corps League.

Upon discharge from the Marines, he returned to Quincy and was appointed to the Quincy Fire Department in 2002.  In his 11 years of service to the department, John exhibited a great love for his job and his fellow firefighters by being active in the department, his local union IAFF 792 and the Quincy Firefighters Relief Association.

Known as a straight shooter who enjoyed sports and politics, John’s greatest enjoyment in life was his son, John William Austin who is affectionately known as “John-John”.

 In addition to being a loving father, John was the devoted son of John D. and Lillian T. (Tuffo) Austin of Quincy, the brother of Jane M. Austin of Quincy, the grandson of Walter G. Austin, BFD, Ret. and his late wife Mary E. (McGregor) of Dorchester and the late Amedus F. and Idell (Gillis) Tuffo and the fiancé of Kari Brown of Quincy. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

 Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Friday from 4-8 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home 785 Hancock St. QUINCY. They are also invited to gather in Holy Trinity Parish at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Sea and Darrow Streets, Quincy for a Funeral Mass on Saturday at 10 AM. Burial with military honors will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Quincy Firefighters Relief Association 40 Quincy Ave Quincy, MA 02169.