Deacon Paul Augustin dies after long bout with cancer

Deacon Paul Augustin, who served as a permanent deacon since 2008, died Nov. 1 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 64 and had served as a deacon at St. Luke the Evangelist Church in Slidell.

A native of New Orleans, Deacon Augustin lived in Slidell for the past 40 years. He was a graduate of Redemptorist High School and the University of New Orleans, where he received a master’s degree in business administration. 

He was ordained to the permanent diaconate in the Archdiocese of New Orleans on Dec. 13, 2008. In addition to his parish assignment, he was chaplain of Café Reconcile, which teaches hospitality skills to at-risk teenagers.

Deacon Augustin worked as chief technology officer at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery for the past 12 years. He was a long-time participant in Marriage Encounter and regular participant for 30 years at Manresa House of Retreats.

His love of conversation and sharing the faith led to his call to the diaconate. He also enjoyed gardening and cooking and was passionate about playing, coaching and watching sports. 

Deacon Augustin is survived by his wife of 41 years, Pamela Quarles Augustin; his mother, Anna Roccaforte Augustin; his sister, Geri Wright (Roger); his brother, Raymond P. Augustin Jr. (Jean); and his three children, Paul Augustin Jr. (Heather), Nicole A. Reed (Chris) and Daniel Augustin. He also is survived by 12 grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond P. Augustin. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Archbishop Gregory Aymond on Nov. 12 at St. Luke the Evangelist Church. He was buried at St. Joseph Abbey Cemetery.