William “Billy” Augst, 80, of Dryden, NY, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 5,

2026 at Hospicare and Palliative Care Services in Ithaca, New York. Born August 31,

1946, in Cortland, NY he was the son of the late Wilbur and Kathryn Nettle Augst.

Billy was a graduate of St. Mary’s of Cortland. Following graduation, he proudly served

in the United States Air Force. After his military service, he worked in the grocery

business before beginning his long tenure and eventual retirement from Morse

Chain/Emerson in Ithaca, NY.

Billy found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. During the spring and summer, you

could often find him mowing lawns, tinkering in the yard, or simply enjoying the serenity

and peace of his porch. He was a loving husband and a deeply proud father,

grandfather, and stepfather.

Billy shared 32 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Jean Sloan Love-Augst. He is

also survived by his daughter, Kathryn (Rodney) Griffiths, and their children, Mary and

Ryan Griffiths; his stepsons, Brian Love and Christopher Love and his family, including

Josh and Isabelle Robbins, Zachary (Tiffany), Libbey and their children Skyler and Jace,

and Lucien Apgar-Libbey; and Shawn Sloan and his sons, Casey Beeman, Damien,

and Declan Sloan.

He is also survived by his sisters, Trish (Steve) Haskins and Kathleen (Bobby) Day; his

brothers, James and Tim Augst; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members,

and dear friends.

In addition to his family and friends, Billy was a devoted member of AA and a man of

deep faith. Both provided him with steadiness and strength throughout his life. In his

later years, nothing could shake him. Through many years of dedication to the AA

program and his faith in his Higher Power, Billy found the strength to face whatever

challenges life placed before him.

Billy was blessed with many good friends—people with whom he shared countless good

times, laughter, and memories. He was deeply grateful for their friendship and for the

support, care, and compassion they showed him throughout the years, especially those

in his Mott Road community.

Billy’s wife, Jean, and daughter, Kathy, would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the

many doctors, nurses, social workers, religious laypeople, family members, and friends

who provided care, kindness, and support to Billy and his family.

A Catholic Mass will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026, 10:00am at Holy Cross, 375

George Road, Freeville, NY 13068. Following Mass, burial will follow at Williow Glenn

Cemetery where full military honors will be rendered in recognition of Bill’s honorable

service to our country. After the graveside service, family and friends are invited to

return to the church for coffee and cookies and to share memories of Billy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Holy Cross, 375 George Road,

Freeville, NY 13068, or Hospice of Ithaca, 172 E. King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.

Billy will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all who

had the privilege of knowing him.