Colin G. Austin

Colin G Austin, 61, departed this life in the early morning of Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Yale New Haven Hospital, following a long and courageous battle with health challenges. Colin was born in Westerly, Rhode Island, to the late Harold R. and Nancy A. (Effman) Austin and was a lifelong resident of North Stonington, Connecticut until this past year.

“Small but mighty” is how those who knew and loved Colin thought of him. When something didn’t work for him or his size, he designed something that would. That resilience - instilled by parents who were determined to have him fit into the world just as he was - was evident throughout his life, from his perfectly sized bicycle to the specially designed pedals on his trucks and the uniquely outfitted commercial fishing/lobstering boats. Colin was going to live life freely and independently despite his physical hurdles. Colin met the world on his own terms!

Colin worked alongside his father at the family business, Austin Motors, wearing many hats over the years and becoming go-to person at the shop. While he was skilled and dependable on land, his true passion was on the water. A commercial lobsterman for many years, Colin loved fishing and lobstering, and was known for providing the freshest lobsters at a great price. He especially enjoyed filling orders for family and friends, valuing the visit just as much as the delivery.

He was very proud to be called Gunnar. It was the name he was most connected to. He gave that name to his boats and his beloved black lab, who accompanied him everywhere he went.

Colin never married or had children of his own, instead he channeled his love and devotion into his sisters, many nieces and nephews, and close friends. He is survived by his sisters Jennifer (Lex), Valerie (Bob), Amy (Kevin) and who often took a back seat to his cherished nieces and nephews: Brooke, Joel, Sarah, Nicholas, Bobby, Neil, Ethan, Gustav and Ava.

A true and loyal friend, Colin gave his whole heart to those who would let him be himself and accepted him for who he was. Time spent on his friends’ farms became treasured memories and well told stories, shared often and with joy. His close friends showed him extraordinary friendship, kindness and support. He was deeply grateful for a few close friends who graciously gave their time and energy helping him in the last few years of his life, which were the most difficult for him.

Colin was incredibly appreciative to those special few who sincerely cared for him and gave him the positive energy that he needed at Pendleton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Mystic, CT where he spent the last few months of his life.

A private celebration of Colin’s life will be held at a later date.