Austin D. Hobin

Austin D. Hobin, 31, of West Warwick, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on the evening of Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Hope Health Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, Rhode Island. His fiancée, Samantha Brown, and his mother, Rebecca E. Hobin, were by his side, surrounding him with love in his final moments. In his final days, Austin was visited by many family members and friends—a testament to how deeply he was cherished.

Austin was born on April 27, 1994, in Providence to Rebecca E. (Nickerson) Hobin and Douglas J. Hobin. From the beginning, he was surrounded by love—not only from his parents but also from his maternal and paternal grandparents, who adored him dearly. His Nana, (the late) Patricia Nickerson, was especially protective of his beautiful blonde curls, making his first haircut a family controversy.

As a child, Austin was a spirited and curious soul who found joy in music, art, and imagination. He fondly remembered the family “art nights” of his childhood, where his dad wood-burned intricate designs while his mom painted and drew alongside him. This creative atmosphere nurtured his natural artistic talent, which blossomed over time—from sketching and painting to sculpture and digital design.

At age nine, Austin’s world expanded with the arrival of his younger brother, Ian J. Hobin. Though hesitant at first, he quickly grew to love Ian deeply, and their bond only strengthened with time. They were more than siblings—they were best friends. They laughed endlessly, exchanged music and memes, played video games late into the night, and encouraged each other’s creative pursuits. Austin was immensely proud of Ian’s artistic talents and proudly displayed his brother’s paintings in his art room at home. They often dreamed of starting a band together—Austin singing and Ian on guitar.

During his teenage years, Austin developed a unique and memorable style—tall, striking, long-haired, and always wearing his favorite green corduroy jacket. It was at this time, at age 16, that he met the love of his life, Samantha Brown. Their meeting at a high school bus stop sparked a relationship that lasted 13 years, rooted in deep friendship, creativity, shared values, and enduring love. They built a life together, purchasing a home at age 23 and adopting a feisty Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Olive. Austin became a beloved part of Samantha’s family, achieving “cool uncle” status among nieces and nephews, and forming strong, lasting bonds with her relatives.

Austin was a man of many talents and an exceptional work ethic. He became a produce manager at Stop & Shop at a young age, respected for his leadership, integrity, and dedication. Outside of work, his artistic abilities were vast and varied. He created captivating portraits, sculpted imaginative clay pieces, painted canvas shoes by hand, and even sold custom shoes to friends. He also explored digital art and game design, learning programming to bring his own video games to life, designing his own sprites and narratives.

Though he never fancied himself a writer, Austin’s mind brimmed with stories, characters, and worlds. He often collaborated with Samantha on creative projects and dreamed of co-writing a

book. His creativity knew no bounds, and he approached every project—no matter how big or small—with passion and precision.

Austin was also intellectually curious and deeply introspective. Though traditional schooling wasn’t his preferred path, he had an incredible capacity to absorb and understand complex topics. Deeply knowledgeable in subjects ranging from biology and physics to philosophy, history, music, and literature, Austin had an uncanny ability to make connections across ideas and speak meaningfully about nearly any topic, always driven by a desire to understand the world more deeply.

Music was at the core of Austin’s being. He was constantly discovering new genres and artists, and music was always present in his life—when driving, creating, cooking, relaxing, or spending time with loved ones. In recent years, he revealed a powerful singing voice and became a passionate karaoke performer. His signature song, Rooster by Alice in Chains, showcased his vocal strength and emotional depth, and his performances were unforgettable.

Later in life, Austin discovered a love for cigars—a hobby that brought him peace and presence. Whether relaxing in a hammock with a cigar and music or enjoying a boat ride on a sunny day, he knew how to savor life’s quieter, beautiful moments.

Austin was beloved not only for his talents but for his spirit. He was hilarious, kind-hearted, and gentle. He would never kill a spider, never swat a fly, and would go out of his way for anyone in need. He didn’t judge or criticize—he simply offered love and understanding. His compassion, humor, and presence brought light into every room he entered.

Austin is survived by his fiancée, Samantha Brown; his mother, Rebecca E. Hobin; his father, Douglas J. Hobin; his brother, Ian J. Hobin; his grandmother, Aline Guertin-Aglione; his grandfather, Richard E. Nickerson Jr.; his grandfather Douglas J. Hobin; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and dear friends. He is also deeply mourned by his chosen family, including his dog Olive, and all who were touched by his generous heart and creative soul.

Austin’s passing is a profound loss to all who knew him, but his legacy of love, laughter, and creativity forever lives in the hearts of his family, friends, and community.

A Celebration of Life will be announced in the coming weeks, with invitations to follow. In the spirit of honoring Austin, his family invites you to carry forward his love for art, music, curiosity, and kindness in your own lives.