FLORIDA — Irving A. Austin Jr., 88, of Brunswick, passed away on Jan. 1, while wintering in Florida.

Irving was born July 8, 1923, in Auburn, the son to Irving A. and Annie (White) Austin. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Leone, in 2000.

He spent his childhood in Brunswick, graduating from Brunswick High School in 1941. He entered the U.S. Army in January 1943 for World War II and fought in New Guinea and Luzon in the Pacific Campaign, receiving the Purple Heart in 1945, for a combat wound and later was honorably discharged in January 1946.

He then went on to work as a machinist at Hyde Windlass Co. for 20 plus years, before Hyde was purchased and became part of Bath Iron Works. He later retired from Brunswick Naval Air Station. Irving was also a member of the United Lodge 8 for 60 years.

After retiring, Irving and Leone loved their time spent wintering in Florida. Even after her death, he continued to go south, where the friends they met were so special to him. His summers were spent with family and in his garden.

He is survived by his two sons, Peter and Brian and (wife) Linda; four grandsons, Patrick and wife, Amy, Tony and wife, Traci, Adam and wife, Jennie and Payton; one granddaughter, Abby; Irving also had six great-grandchildren, Mitchell, Monica, Nickolas, Ryley, Noah and Carter; three nieces and three nephews.

He has one surviving brother, Donald and wife, Claire and niece, Barbara, who he had breakfast with daily in the summer months in Maine.

He was predeceased years earlier by his brother, Blaine; and wife, Margaret.