Obituary of Austin Francis Looney

Austin Francis Looney, age 95, of Brooklyn, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at home surrounded by his loved ones. Austin was born on July 30th, 1929, to the late Michael and Frances Looney. He grew up in Marine Park with his 7 siblings on East 34th Street. Their childhood home was full of laughter and love, with many family gatherings, leaving stories for years to come. Austin had a twin brother, Jack, and together they enlisted in the Navy. Austin served proudly on the USS Rodman in the engine room and was honorably discharged on his 22nd birthday.

Austin was predeceased by his loving wife, Dolores, of forty-one years. Their love story began at a local hangout, DeLeo’s, on Quentin Road. They married on February 11th 1956, and together they raised four devoted and loving daughters — Frances, Barbara, Dolores, and Elizabeth — in Marine Park. Austin and Dolores owned the candy store on Avenue S, which became a neighborhood staple. He worked for the U.S. Post Office for many years and retired in 1985. You could find him at home or at the Mariners watching a Mets or a Jets game, or a horse race or two. He enjoyed walking the track at Marine Park with his brothers Buddy and Mo, and his best friend Frank O’Brien, while pushing MaryKate in the carriage with them. He spent many summers at Breezy Point with family and friends. He loved a family gathering, a home-cooked meal from one of his daughters, and a good cigar with a “thing and a thing.” Each night he watched Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, often with his dog Charlie on his lap and MaryKate by his side.

He was the best father and father-in-law and was so proud of his girls — Frances (Peter) Kelly, Dolores Looney, and Elizabeth Ciabattari. Austin was predeceased by his daughter Barbara Looney in 2024.

Austin was a devoted and caring grandfather to Caitlin (Sean) Kaverick, John (Jamie) Ciabattari, Michael (Dominique) Ciabattari, and MaryKate Looney. Adoring great- grandfather to Christian, Cameron, Olivia, Raegan, Carson, Isla, and Austin.

Austin is predeceased by his siblings Helen (Charles) Bellew, Edward (Dorothy) Looney, Maurice (Blanche) Lenihan and his twin brother John (Irene) Looney.

He is survived by his siblings Regina (Gerald) Schmidt, William (Barbara) Looney and Bernadette Munro, brother-in- law John (Dorina) Doran and sister-in-law Theresa (Michael) Doran. Beloved Uncle to many nieces and nephews, and his cousins.

Austin will be remembered as a true gentleman and gentle man. He will be missed but not forgotten by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Breakthrough T1D, formally known as JDRF and to Kings College 133 N. River Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711.

Wake service will be on Thursday June 19, 2025 from 2:00 to 5:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Marine Park Funeral Home. 3024 Quentin Road Brooklyn, NY 11234.

Funeral mass will be on Friday June 20, 2025 at St. Columba Roman Catholic Church at 10:00 AM. 2245 Kimball Street Brooklyn, NY 11234.

Committal service will be private.

To send a floral Tribute please contact Floral Fantasy at 718-238-6978.