Harvey Eugene "Gene" Austin

Harvey Eugene Austin (Gene), age 84 transitioned peacefully from earthly life to eternity on December 28, 2020 in Queens, NY, as a result of longstanding health issues.

Gene is survived by his Step-Mother Inez Daly, Daughter Tonya (Morris) Johnson, Sisters Carol (Walter) Cole, Crystal Robbins, Sister In-law Junko Austin, Aunt Ivory Dumas, Uncle Hurshel Franklin, Godson Ky (Zia) Nix, Grandsons Dady (Danita) Johnson, Shilue (Ciara) Johnson and a host of other loving great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Harvey is predeceased by his Mother Mabel McAlpin-Newell, Fathers Harvey Austin Sr., Aaron Newell, Siblings Harvey J. (Minoru) Austin Jr., Joyce Austin, Emma (Marcellous) Harland, Grandson Morris T. Johnson Jr.

Harvey was born in New York City on November 22, 1936 to Harvey Austin Sr. and Mabel McAlpin and was raised by his mother and Stepfather Aaron Newell in Buffalo NY. He attended the Buffalo Public School system. Harvey grew up watching his Mother Mabel and Aunt Wilhelmina, both artist and teachers, create and work with many mediums of art. After graduating from Hutchison Technical High School, as most young hopefuls during his era, Harvey enrolled in and proudly served his country diligently in the United States Army. He was stationed in Arizona, rose up to the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged. In 1964, Harvey fathered his only child Tonya, with former partner and friend Celestina Trower

Harvey, while living in New York City, attended and graduated from the New York Pan America Art Institute, completed his post graduate studies at the New York School of Visual Arts, the WNET-TV Film School and received the Pioneer-Moss Award for Graphic Design Excellence.

Harvey worked as an Art Director and Graphic Design Consultant, Director of Graphics for the NYC Transit Authority as well as, Roving Camera Man for the Amsterdam Newspaper. In 1978 he was featured as one of Ebony Magazines "Most Eligible Bachelor's". According to his peers, Harvey was one of "the pioneers of the Commercial Art Industry". During his career, Harvey worked on accounts for Scholastic, Inc., NYC Health and Hospitals Corp., Time/Life HBO, General Foods, Essence Magazine, Centercare Health Plans, Liberia Airline, Buffalo VA Hospital, Buffalo City Schools, US Health and Human Services, United Church of Christ, Corning Chamber of Commerce, Corning Museum of Glass, Corning Incorporated, Market Street Restoration Agency, 171 Cedar Arts Center, Economic Opportunity Program and many others.

Harvey traveled across the globe to the continent of Africa, Haiti and other countries. He enjoyed soulfood, listening to jazz, and socializing with his beloved family and friends.

Later in life, Harvey relocated to Corning, NY. He became a member of the Elmira/Corning Chapter of the NAACP as well as, member of Friendship Baptist Church where he faithfully served as an Usher and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. While there, he received a great deal of love and acceptance, shared many meals, church outings and special occasions with the pastors and members whom he formed tremendous bonds with and considered many of them to be not just dear friends but family. The love was mutual. Harvey spent the last few years of his life under the care of his devoted and loving Caregivers: Daughter Tonya and Son In-law Morris. 

PLEASE DO NOT SEND FLOWERS.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harvey Eugene "Gene" Austin, please visit our floral store.