Gilbert R. Austin

Dr. Gilbert R. Austin passed peacefully at the age of 94 surrounded by his family. Gil was born on October 11, 1928 in Middletown, Connecticut to the late Ethel Maguire Austin Allen and Raymond Austin. Curious and fearless by nature, Gil discovered a love for cars, construction, tinkering, and, ultimately, a gift for teaching. He started his career as a beloved elementary school teacher and evolved into a dynamic university professor who shepherded hundreds of masters and doctoral candidates to success at UMBC, UMCP and UMES. All of his students benefitted from his motto and belief that “Statistics is Easy!”. He became known worldwide as an expert in the field of early childhood education and educational research and statistics and was invited to work at the Department of Health, Education and Welfare in Washington DC in 1970. The following two years, first at OECD in Paris, he evaluated the educational systems of European countries, then for UNESCO, those of the South Pacific islands. A Fulbright scholar in 1988, Gil worked to exchange educational ideas and best practices with educators and government officials in Cyprus and Northern Cyprus.

A man of duty, of doing what is right, of faith, of science and logic, of great compassion, of unequaled love for Eleanor, his wife of 70 years, Gil was cherished by his wife who predeceased him by a few months. He is survived by his children: Sara Patterson (Karl Foerstchbeck), Beth Austin (Denis Chauveau), Gilbert Austin Jr. (Donna Meyers), and Mary Austin (John Franco), grandchildren, and great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 22nd at Pilgrim United Church of Christ 2206 Briggs Road, Silver Spring, Maryland 20906. A reception will follow at the church. A second service will be held in Gil’s hometown of Berlin, Connecticut later this spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Teach for America.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hinesrinaldifuneralhome.com for the Austin family.