Desmond Austin

Desmond Austin, 78, passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on September 15, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Claudette (Sultan) Austin, with whom he shared 56 cherished years of marriage.

Born in Georgetown, Guyana, on November 12, 1945. Desmond graduated from the McKenzie Trade School in 1963 and later immigrated to the United States in 1988. In Guyana, he managed the renowned Watooka Guest House and the Supervisor’s Club, where he earned a reputation for his leadership and attention to detail. After settling in the U.S., he worked as a lab technician at Cambridge Isotope Laboratories in Tewksbury, MA, where he nurtured relationships with coworkers of all ages, until his retirement.

Desmond was a man of many talents and interests. He delighted in singing Frank Sinatra’s “I Did It My Way”, playing dominoes with friends and celebrating special occasions with those he loved. A skilled cook and enthusiastic decorator, he took great pride in decorating his home for the holidays. He also had a keen interest in politics and followed soccer, cricket, football and basketball with passion. Yet music was his greatest love. He brought dedication and pride to everything he pursued.

In addition to his beloved wife, Claudette, Desmond is survived by his children, Troy Austin, Kirk Austin, Kim Lebing, Rawle Austin, Michelle Mendonca and Renea Adonis; his grandchildren, Eion Austin, Debbis Austin, Tamara Austin, Essau Austin, Isaiah Austin, Tallea Lebing, Serena Lebing, Jada Mendonca, Jamia Mendonca, Kezra Adonis and Keizik Adonis; his great-grandchildren, Omyra Austin and Amaya Alcantaro; his siblings, Bridgette Sulker, his twin sister Desiree Tross, Aubrey Austin, Lorraine Bonar, Earl Austin and Lloyd Austin; his in-laws, Edwin Sultan, Desmond Sultan, Muriel James, Constance Simon, and Joyce Henry; his sons-in-law, Stephen Lebing, Courtney Mendonca and Kevon Adonis; as well as many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Neville Austin, Audrey Austin (Aubrey’s twin), Ezekiel Austin and Earline Austin (Earl’s twin).

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Desmond’s life on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 4 to 7 PM at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell. His funeral service will take place on Friday at 11 AM at the Riverside Assembly of God, 15 Lowell Boulevard, Methuen, followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery, Chelmsford. The repass will be held at the Sonesta Select Hotel, 30 Industrial Avenue, Lowell. Flowers can be sent to McKenna-Ouellette Funeral Home and any donations in Desmond’s memory can be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center at www.splcenter.org.