Robert F. Austin, 83, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was born on August 1, 1942 into a large farming family in Harpersfield, NY. He graduated from Charlotte Valley Central School before serving in the United States Air Force from 1961 – 1965. Upon his return, he was united in marriage to his beloved wife Elaine S. McMullen. Robert was a well-respected lineman for New York Electric & Gas for 35 years, achieving chief status and working diligently to serve customers. The couple raised their family primarily in South New Berlin before retiring to Sherburne in 1993.
Above all else, Bob was a family man. Together with his wife Elaine, whom he cherished, he built a beautiful life dedicated to caring for those he loved. To his daughters, he offered constant support and love. To his grandchildren, “Papa” was first a playmate and then a role model that they adored and admired. To his friends and neighbors, he was someone that could always be relied upon in times of need and celebration.
He enjoyed the outdoors, particularly the beautiful Adirondacks where he spent many summers camping with his family. Snowmobiling, hunting, boating and water skiing were among his favorite pastimes. He was a highly capable man, one who could design or fix just about anything.
Robert will be deeply missed by his wife Elaine; daughters and sons-in-law Brenda and Andy Sheere of Chester, VT and Teri and Marty Lakin of Sherburne; grandchildren Keegan and Hannah Sheere and Arria and Austin Conant; a sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Scott Allen; a brother and sister-in-law, James and Delores Austin as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Virginia Austin; six sisters: Estella, Shirley, June, Gloria, Kay and Gina and three brothers: Richard, Harold and William.
An intimate celebration of life will be held at a later date.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County and to the hospital staff at UHS for the care given to Robert and the kindness and compassion shown to his family.
Contributions in his memory may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County, 33-39 Court St., Norwich, NY, 13815.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne, NY, 13460.
To send a condolence online, please visit www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com