WATERTOWN, NY – Ronald E. Sawyer of Watertown, NY passed away peacefully on Thursday May 11, 2017 at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, NY.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Cleveland Funeral Home, Watertown, NY.
Calling hours will be held from 11:00am–1:00pmand a memorial service will immediately follow with Rev. Toby Schilling officiating on Friday May 19, 2017 at the Cleveland Funeral Home, 404 Sherman St. Watertown, NY.
Mr. Sawyer was born on August 8, 1943 in Watertown, NY to the late Bernard and Lois Marchand Sawyer. Ronald was a 1961 graduate of Watertown High School and went on to attend Paul Smith’s College in the Forestry Program. He served aboard the USS Shangri-La CVA-38 until his honorable discharge in 1966.
Ronald married Carol Elliott on December 4, 1965 at the All Souls Unitarian-Universalist Church in Watertown, NY with Rev. Blaine Hartford officiating. After his time in the armed forces, Ronald was employed with NY Air Brake from 1966-1968. In 1968, he began his 35-year career with the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier until his retirement in 2003.
Mr. Sawyer was a lifetime member and past commander of the American Legion Post 673 in Black River, NY, an exempt member and former chief of the Northpole Volunteer Fire Department, and a member of the Highland Meadows Golf Club playing in the “Over the Hill League” on Tuesdays. Ronaldvolunteered his time as a member of the construction committee for the Thousand Island Habitat for Humanity and enjoyed partaking in building projects at the Braman’s Block construction site in Carthage. He also volunteered as a docent with the NYS Zoo at Thompson Park where he would present educational programs and be involved with the owls, kestrel, hawk, and turkey vultures.
Ronald is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Carol; sons Patrick and his wife Patricia Sawyer of Trenton, TN; Timothy Sawyer and his long time companion Lisa Williams of Peekskill, NY; two grandchildren, Brittani and Jon Sawyer of Trenton, TN; and several nieces and nephews.
Ronald’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude on Ronald’s behalf to the caring, compassionate, and highly intuitive staff who cared for Ronald during his hospital stay.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Samaritan Medical Center Foundation Heart to Heart Fund, 830 Washington St. Watertown, NY.
Online condolences may be made at www.clevelandfuneralhomeinc.com.