December 21, 2012  

LOWVILLE, N.Y.  —  Donald W. Sawyer, 61, passed away early Friday morning, Dec. 21, at his home on Shady Avenue under the care of his family, caregivers and Lewis County Hospice.

Born March 1, 1951, in West Carthage, the son of Donald W. and Ruth A. Trembley Sawyer, he graduated in 1970 from Beaver River High School after which he attended Alfred University and Jefferson Community College for criminal law.

He married Mary Adams on March 6, 1971, at the United Methodist Church in Lowville. Together they raised three daughters, Karri, Amber and Erin.

He worked for various companies in the area, AMF, Hoch Bros., Latex Fiber & Boise Cascade in Beaver Falls, and Lowville Academy Central School in the maintenance department and drove school bus for Lowville Academy and was a popular driver for class trips.

Mr. Sawyer proudly served Lewis County Sheriff’s Department for over 18 years as a deputy, dispatcher and corrections officer, and then was appointed Under Sheriff in 2001 retiring due to health reasons.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; his mother, Ruth A. Sweeney; three daughters, Karri and Jeff Miller; Amber Sawyer and Erin Sawyer; a brother and his wife, Bernard D. and Gloria Bezio of Ogdensburg; a sister, Peggy Adams, Lowville; two grandsons Jimmy Kenealy and Sam Miller;; and nieces and nephews. 

His step father, Paul Sweeney, and his brother-in-law, Jerry Adams, both died before him.

Don’s warm smile was well-known throughout the community where he served 19 years with the Lowville Fire Department and became exempt member in the spring of 2003. 

He was a member of the Lowville Masonic Lodge #134 F. & A.M., and the Lowville B.P.O.E. Lodge #1605, and past president of both the Lowville Fish & Game Club and Lewis County Association of Sportsman Club. He also took part in billiards in both Lewis and Jefferson County.

A funeral mass will be said 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church with Rev. Christopher Cararra, pastor, officiating. Spring burial will be in Lowville Rural Cemetery.

Family and friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26, at Sundquist Funeral Home where a Masonic service will be conducted at 8 p.m.

Memorials in Donald’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences should be sent to www.sundquistfh.com.






Information provided by Sundquist Funeral Home of Lowville and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.