Ian J. Austin, 22, of Ridgefield, died on All Saints Day, November 1, 2024.
Ian was born in White Plains, NY on December 12, 2001; a son of Michael and Kerri (Kneip) Austin.
Ian’s early education began at Annunciation School (Crestwood, NY) for kindergarten. After moving to Ridgefield, Connecticut, he attended Scotland Elementary School for first through fifth grades and Scotts Ridge Middle School for sixth through eighth grades. Continuing his education in the Ridgefield Public School system, he attended Ridgefield High School and was a part of the graduating class of 2020. His freshman year, he partook in the ultimate frisbee club, and was a natural from the start. Following this, he joined the football and rugby programs. In those years, he was a pillar to these teams and discovered his passion for rugby. A highlight of his high school rugby experience includes a 41-41 tie with Fairfield that included nine lead changes. The Tigers evened the score on a last-second try by Ian. His efforts and achievements caught the attention of multiple collegiate rugby programs. Ian was an incredible teammate and friend to all, known and loved by many throughout the school. He left a legacy at Ridgefield High with the design of the Ridgefield Rugby team’s logo and team merchandise.
In his free time, Ian enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Notably playing video games with his siblings, snowboarding, working on his mustang, performing scavenger hunts around town, working out and lifting, and completing DIY home projects with his father. He also looked forward to summers attending Camp Jewell YMCA in Colebrook, CT. Throughout his years at camp, Ian was seen as an inspiration to all with his confident and outgoing personality, helping others break out of their shells. Ian partook in the Leaders In Training (LIT) and Counselors In Training (CIT) programs, learning valuable leadership and teamwork skills. He experienced a couple of notable extended, overnight hiking trips on Alandar Mountain and Mt Everett, both located in southern Massachusetts. These trips and experiences of camp gave Ian his appreciation for the outdoors and forged lasting friendships with people from all over and many different walks of life. After 7 summers as a camper, he returned as a counselor. He navigated each challenge with a smile and incredible grace, leaving a lasting and positive impact on colleagues and campers not only a part of his cabin, but others who crossed his path.
Throughout the years, Ian expanded his horizons and traveled around the world. Destinations included Walt Disney World numerous times with his family, Hawaii, Canada, Colorado, the French Alps for snowboarding experiences, and most recently Montreal. These trips enriched his passion for creating family memories, experiencing new things, and learning more about our vast world in college.
This past May, Ian graduated from Fairfield University with a bachelor's in computer science. At Fairfield, Ian was a member of the Fairfield University Rugby team as the fullback. Ian gave every game his all and his passion for rugby was admirable. Ian was known for his intelligence and willingness to help his friends and classmates, making difficult subjects look easy. Alongside his studies, Ian worked to build a website for Fairfield CARES, a non-profit organization that promotes mental health and wellness, and as Technical Lead for Golden Guardian Solutions, a software system that helps emergency responders communicate and coordinate with seniors in addition to educating about scams and preventing their financial accounts from being accessed fraudulently. His family and friends were so proud that Golden Guardian Solutions was part of the April 2023 Fairfield StartUp Showcase where the team pitched their business concept to investors and mentors, ultimately earning Third Place & People’s Choice. Ian consistently and selflessly offered his talents and passion to try to improve our community.
Ian is survived by his parents, Kerri and Michael; as well as his siblings, Michael, Jonathan, Shannon, Colleen, Erin and adopted brother Neel Anand. Ian was predeceased by his grandparents Betty Kneip, Eugene Kneip, Katherine Austin, and Albert Austin.
Family and friends will be received on Sunday, November 10, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. An opportunity for family and friends to pay tribute to Ian will begin at 4:00 PM. Interment will take place privately. Contributions in Ian’s memory may be made to Meals on Wheels of Ridgefield or the Ridgefield Fathers Club in lieu of flowers.
Meals on Wheels of Ridgefield: https://www.mealsonwheelsofridgefield.org/donate
Ridgefield Fathers Club: https://ridgefieldfathersclub.org/donate/