We lost our friend, colleague and partner of 35 years on March 6, 2023, at the age of 67. With permission, we are sharing the incredible obituary of Austin, authored by his son, Austin.
Austin was the husband of Denise (Sordillo) Powell, with whom he shared 38 years of marriage. They have three children, son Austin T. Powell, II and his wife Shea C. Kinser, and daughters Olivia M. Powell and Elizabeth C. Powell.
Austin practiced law for decades and was an equity partner at Morrison, Mahoney, LLP in Boston. From his youth until recent years, Austin played bass guitar in numerous rock bands with his friends, one of whom always being Joe Fagan. Music was a passion which also led him to meeting his wife, Denise. His bands included (but were not limited to) Slow Children, James Straight and the Bureaucrats, Boys Say Go, Squiddly Diddly, James Straight and the Wide Stance, and Highway Chapel. In the evenings (rain, snow, or shine), one could typically find “Aut” grilling dinner (sometimes while holding an umbrella), sipping whiskey, and listening to the Red Sox on the radio. Over the years he amassed a vast library of science fiction novels and history books, often re-reading his favorites many times. He also loved watching “Rom-Coms.” Austin was a firm believer in and practitioner of “DIY” when it came to home improvement projects. From the Roman forum to his millionth performance of the Nutcracker, he enjoyed travelling the world, following where his children went for their educational and professional pursuits.
Born in Darby, Pennsylvania, Austin was the son of the late Francis DeSales Powell and Madeleine (Benoist). Austin grew up in Newton, MA, where he enjoyed making models of ships (nautical and space), planes, and trains. He was a talented artist, who enjoyed drawing and making prints. Austin graduated from Newton North High School in 1974, UMass–Amherst in 1978, and Suffolk University Law School in 1985.
Austin leaves behind his sisters, Mary Powell, Kathryn Powell and her husband Alan Kacimi, brothers David Powell and his wife Carol, Justin Powell and his wife Laura, nephews Henry, Adam, and Zachary, niecesHannah, Miryam, Sarah, Allison, and Eleanor. He also leaves behind his sisters-in-law Diane (Sordillo) Reilly and husband William, Donna (Sordillo) Vecchione and husband Paul, and Debra Sordillo, nephews William Reilly and wife Katerina, Bryan Reilly and wife Kelly, John Vecchione and wife Maria, and Michael Vecchione and wife Kimiko.
Donations may be made in Austin’s name to Hospitality Homes https://hosp.org/donate/
