Gary Ross Austin

Gary Ross Austin, 78, passed away on May 29th, 2024 after a long illness. He was born in Milwaukee on June 28, 1945 to Nyle and Maude Austin and grew up in Neenah, WI. After graduating from Neenah High School he attended UW-Madison and received a degree in education from UW-Oshkosh. Gary married Bridget McCarty a week after graduation and they moved to Green Bay where he started his teaching career, spending the first part of his 35 years at Edison Jr. High, then Edison Middle School, followed by many years as a history teacher at Southwest High School in Green Bay.

Gary was a naturally gifted teacher with a great understanding of history and the ability to make it come alive for his students. He loved teaching and came home from school one day saying he almost felt guilty taking money for the opportunity to match wits with such talented students. He spent many years coaching track at Edison and enjoyed being an advisor to the Social Studies Academic Team and newspaper at Southwest. He also enjoyed writing a column for the Green Bay Press Gazette. Gary loved all types of music and could play by ear on the piano and guitar. He also logged many working hours helping Bridget with art fairs and her painting career although he cleverly avoided framing paintings.

In retirement he volunteered at Heritage Hill, enjoyed his cottage time, traveled to all 50 states and with Bridget to many European countries plus some cruises. He loved road trips, especially to Mississippi and other southern areas due to his interest in Civil War history as well as love of the Blues. He kept up with his writing joining a group that met most Mondays to share their writing talents. He was on the reunion committee for Neenah High School and last year greatly enjoyed his 60th class reunion. His biggest pleasure was being entertained by his granddaughter Adelaide and spending time with his daughter Emily and her husband Bryan. He was a great source for knowledge on many subjects especially before the internet was available!

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Bridget, his daughter Emily (Bryan) Burris and granddaughter Adelaide. In addition, his sister Lynne (Donald) Howarth, brother Lee Austin, and Bridget’s family including brothers Terry (Sandi) McCarty, Kevin (Peg) McCarty, and Brian McCarty, plus sisters Posy (Dave) Thurow and Colleen McCarty, many nieces and nephews, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Timm and Patricia McCarty, and his nephew Scott Howarth.

He will be greatly missed by his family but remembered so often in many ways and for a life well lived. We are so very grateful for all of the love and care from so many dear friends and relatives during his illness, and for the wonderful caregivers at home and at Unity Hospice Meng Residence. In lieu of flowers, donations to the ADRC of Green Bay (adrcofbrowncounty.org) or Unity Hospice Meng Residence (unityhospice.org) would be appreciated.

Cotter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. An open house celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 14th from 3pm to 7pm with a brief service at 5pm at Village Grille Event Center, 1390 Bellevue St., Green Bay, 54311.