James J. Augstell

HALFMOON - James Augstell, 87, passed away on Sunday July 14, 2024. He was born in 1937 in Albany, New York to the late Harold and Genevieve Augstell.  He lived his whole life in Albany and Clifton Park and was a graduate of Cathedral Academy and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

He had a 36 year career at the NYS Department of Public Service, retiring in 1995 as Chief of Communications Valuation and Cost Analysis.  He was active in the Rensselaer Alumni Association and served as the alumni representative on the athletics board for several years. He was a 60 year RPI hockey season ticket holder, and loved his trips to NYC to see the Yankees.

His faith was very important to him and he was a long-term communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Albany, where he served as a lector and Eucharistic minister.

In retirement, Jim enjoyed golfing, tennis, and traveling abroad with the Franciscan Mission Associates.  In the summer you could find Jim at the family’s camp in Lake George and on his boat, the Susie G.  He loved spending time in the off-season at his home in Cape Cod, especially New Years Eve with his brother’s family.

Jim is survived by his brother, John Augstell, and sister in-law Sherril Augstell.   He was the beloved uncle to Susan Dier, Robert, Stephan, and Michael Augstell. He is survived by grand-niece Ryann Augstell, grand-nephews Gregg Dier, Matt Dier, Andrew Augstell, and Will Augstell, and great-grand-niece Beatrice Dier, along with many cousins.

His family would like to thank the staff at St. Peter’s Hospital, as well as local skilled nursing facilities for the care he was given.

Calling hours are Monday, July 22nd from 4pm to 7pm at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, July 23rd at St. Mary’s Church, 10 Lodge St., Albany at 10:30 am, followed by interment in St. Agnes Cemetery. Condolences can be posted at danielkeenanfuneralhome.com.