William Austin Germani

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Austin Germani

William Austin Germani, 19, of Crozet, Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2017, surrounded by his family. Born on January 30, 1998, Austin graduated from Western Albemarle High School, class of 2016, and was a freshman at Christopher Newport University.

Austin’s smile was as unmistakable as his wit. Old and new friends alike note that his warmth was felt by all those in his presence. His smile was described as lighting the room, ever-present, and contagious, while his hugs were warm and freely-given. At a CNU memorial service for Austin, the Vice President of Student Affairs remarked that Austin already understood the importance and responsibility of distinguishing himself during his time on this earth, which he chose to do in the pursuit of helping others, often before himself. Examples of Austin’s humanity include sitting up at night to help fellow students with their homework, helping one friend reverse their decision to drop out of college, and learning to help another friend control their panic attacks. The enormity of his loss is palpable in the voices of those who knew and loved him.

Austin is survived by his brother Colton Germani, his mother Ginger Pomfrey Germani of Crozet, and his father Alan Edward Germani of Richmond as well as his grandparents, who include his maternal grandmother Sandi Slate of Richmond, his maternal grandfather Ron Pomfrey of Mechanicsville, his paternal grandfather Tony Germani of Louisa County, his paternal grandparents Harriet and Don Taylor of Midlothian, and his maternal great-grandmother Virginia Slate of Richmond, as well as special aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also survived by his girlfriend, Darby Stephens, whom he met at CNU and proclaimed the “woman of his dreams.”

A memorial service to honor Austin’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 3 at Crozet United Methodist Church. A reception will immediately follow at The RoofTop in Piedmont Place, Crozet. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the Austin Germani Memorial Fund, c/o Old Dominion National Bank, Charlottesville, VA. Donations will support a cause Austin was passionate about: making therapy dogs available for those battling depression or anxiety.

17 COMMENTS

  1. Austin was a very special person to so many people.
    He will be remembered fondly. Our deepest condolences to the family. May you be blessed with strength during this difficult time.

  2. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this fine young man. I had the distinct privilege to coach this young man in baseball and football. Character and heart was nothing Austin lacked on the playing field or in dealing with his teammates. He was never to shy away from what I asked him to do.He was a blessing to be around and I can only say he gave as much back to me as I ever gave to him. He will be missed, his smile, his wit, his essence has left a void. Never forgotten but always remembered.

    Rick, Johnathon and the Maupin Family.

  3. Dear Ginger,
    I didn’t know Austin but I know how deeply devoted you were to him, and my heart is with you. May you have the comfort of family, friends and loved ones during this painful time.
    Karen Pape

  4. Dear Ginger, As I read Austin’s obituary my heart aches for you. Being a mother too I can not imagine the loss you must feel. I will carry you in my heart and count on our community to help and support you. You can count on us. Love, Pat

  5. He will be missed by his siblings. We will continue to cherish the memories we have of him as a young child. He will be missed by so many. His smile would light up a room. I’m thankful I got to be his sister, and I’ll honor his life.

  6. I am so very sorry for your loss. My son, Chase, lived on the same hall as Austin at CNU, and spoke kindly of him. My prayers are with your family as you take the next steps forward, each and every day.

  7. Dear Ginger and Family

    We are so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

    The Guthrie Family

  8. I had the pleasure of having Austin in freshman composition this past spring semester. He had a bright mind and was a conscientious student. My deepest sympathy during this most difficult time.

  9. Ginger and Colton,

    May you feel embraced and strengthened in this sad time by the loving and lasting impact Austin had on this world.

    My sincerest sympathies,

    Jessica

  10. Dear Ginger,

    Larry and I are keeping you and your family in our prayers. We pray God’s comfort will surround you in the days ahead.

    Larry & Sandra Peters
    (Maggie’s parents)

  11. Ginger and Colton
    My prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you be a support and comfort to each other and let the community help support your family after an unthinkable tragedy.
    Michelle Prosser and family

  12. Dear Ginger,

    We are sorry to hear about Austin’s passing… He was always so Joyful on the Baseball Field!!! Those Grasshoppers Days were such Great Memories & I Encourage All of the Family members to Hold On to The Memories!!! Earth has No Sorrows that Heaven Can not Heal… Sorrowfully Submitted, The Mom of The Grasshoppers

  13. Dear Ginger and Colton,

    You and your family are in our thoughts prayers. May the light of Austin shine on you and your family for all the days to come. May God bless you and the Germani Family.

    The McConville’s

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