Austin P. Gould

January 21, 1931 - February 10, 2022

“Our Maestro of Music” Austin P. Gould was born on January 21, 1931, to the late Austin J. and Mary B. Gould and was the oldest of four children. He was a lifelong resident of Gouldtown, NJ. With encouragement from his mother, Austin developed a love of music at a very young age, while “fooling around on the family piano”. He formally studied piano with Mabel Coursey, Marguerite Gates, and Percy Ross. He also studied organ with Lowell C. Ayars. He attended Gouldtown Elementary School and graduated from Bridgeton High School. Following high school graduation, he attended the Ornstein School of Music in Philadelphia, PA where he studied advanced piano with Leo Ornstein and Natalie Hinderas. His studies were interrupted when he was called to serve his country in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954. He honorably served in Special Services, where he played the organ for chapel services and in the Army Band. Austin then graduated from Temple University, earning both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Austin married the late Muriel “Honey” Gould in 1970. They were married a total of 35 years, until “Miss Honey’s” passing in 2005. Austin was a lifelong educator and began his teaching career at Vaux Junior High School in Philadelphia, PA. He eventually returned home and taught music in the Bridgeton Public School system for 36 years, as both choral director and music supervisor. He touched so many students’ lives throughout his career and was recognized everywhere in the community. You could not go out to breakfast or dinner with Austin, without a grateful and excited past student approaching the table to thank Mr. Gould for impacting his or her life. He retired from the Bridgeton Public School system in June 1996. Austin accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at a very young age. He faithfully served the Lord at Trinity A.M.E Church in Gouldtown, NJ his entire life. His two loves, the Lord and music, came together when he became the “Minister of Music” at Trinity Gouldtown. Austin served as the organist, choir director for all church choirs, and co-chairman of the Board of Trustees. South Jersey residents remember how many lives were touched, when he co-produced Trinity A.M.E. Chorale’s performances of “Black Echoes in Word and Song” throughout the area. His church family meant the world to Austin, as he did to them. Deep, lifelong friendships originated from the church. He especially enjoyed the camaraderie of his weekly Men’s Fellowship sessions and his “Breakfast Club” buddies. He played faithfully every Sunday, right up until the Lord called him home and declared “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” In addition to his committed service to the church, Austin was also extremely active in the community, serving in many roles, to include: National Association for Music Educators for 53 years, member of the Bridgeton Rotary Club for over 40 years, member of the New Jersey Music Educators’ Association, member of the Cumberland County Cultural and Heritage Commission, member of the Board of Directors of the YMCA and an advisor to the Student Chapter of the National Conference of Christian and Jews at Bridgeton High School. He was an honorary member of the Fairfield Volunteer Fire Company No. 2, Gouldtown. Austin broke down barriers and became the first Black chairman of the Board of Trustees at Cumberland County College – truly a trailblazer! All who knew Austin were truly amazed by his full dedication to everything he participated in. It is hard to fathom that in addition to all his service, he also found time over the years to perform as a concert pianist throughout the East Coast. Many cite his performance of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with the Bridgeton Symphony in 1986 as legendary. Another memorable performance was a tribute to Black Composers in 1988 at the Millville Public Library. He also performed as a concert pianist for the Metro Atlantic Drifters 1st Annual President’s Luncheon in Atlanta, Georgia in 1990. Austin was also a TV star, as he was a frequent guest pianist on The Larry Ferrari Show, which aired locally on 6 ABC. Imagine the pride that the Gouldtown community felt when they tuned in to see one of their own on television! To no one’s surprise, Austin received many honors and recognition throughout his life – far too many to capture in one place. Some of the highlights include Outstanding Rotarian 1975; Outstanding Educator of America 1975; Who’s Who in New Jersey 1992; the Distinguished Service Award from the New Jersey Music Educators 1993; the Paul Harris Award from the Bridgeton Rotary Club 1993. He also received multiple Honorary Awards from various organizations including the Bridgeton Chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews 1998; the Bridgeton Chapter of the National Congress of Black Women 2007; the New Jersey Conference Lay Organizations of the First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; the Rho Rho Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; and the Gateway Community Action Partnership. The Shiloh Baptist Church honored Austin as a “trailblazer in the community” for demonstrating Dr. Martin Luther King’s “Dream in Action”. Austin was also inducted into the Cumberland County Black Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Bridgeton High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame in 2006. Most recently in 2020, Austin was honored virtually in the Cumberland County Legends program, which recognizes activists who made a difference in the community. Austin was always humbled by the love and recognition he received, which is a true testament to his greatness and character. Staying so active and engaged all his life, Austin experienced the gift of good health from the Lord. However, in August 2009, he needed to have a rather routine knee replacement. Sadly, complications such as infection and pneumonia arose and left him in a coma. So many family and church members held vigil at his bedside and prayed for a miracle, but his prognosis was not good. Fortunately, his sister and his doctor refused to give up hope. He miraculously emerged from the coma and recovered from the other conditions. After months of rehabilitation, he was triumphantly discharged on New Year’s Eve 2009! Six months later, he was back to service at Trinity A.M.E Church! Those who witnessed this event knew it was a MIRACLE from God, and Austin soon received the nickname of “Lazarus”. We thank God for this miracle, as we were blessed with Austin’s presence in our lives for another amazing 12 active years! God is truly GREAT! Austin left his earthly home on February 10, 2022, to be with his Lord and Savior, and receive his heavenly crown that he so deserves! In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Gloria Yvonne, and his brother Bernard. He leaves so many people to mourn his passing: his beloved sister, Diane Stills of Marietta, Georgia; his stepson, Gary Denby, Sr.; several step grandchildren, his nephews, Warren Wright, Jr. (Sonya) and Robert Stills Jr. (Ashley); a host of cousins, great nieces and great nephews, church family and hundreds of people that he touched. We know that Austin is in heaven, just as active as ever, reuniting with loved ones and sharing his talents with those who went home before him. REST IN TRIUMPH, AUSTIN! In lieu of flowers, the Family requests that any donation be made to Trinity A.M.E. Church of Gouldtown, 1107 Bridgeton Millville Pike, Bridgeton, NJ 08302 in memory of Austin. To view live funeral services via Zoom, please click link below and enter ID and passcode Time: Feb 19, 2022 11:30 AM Eastern Time https://zoom.us/j/95487517726?pwd=di83d0MrZm1FRkZuSWVLeHQxU0Q5Zz09 Meeting ID: 954 8751 7726 Passcode: 345245