William A. Sawyer, 81, a resident of Methuen, and a former longtime resident of Lawrence, died peacefully at Henry C. Nevins Nursing Home in Methuen. he was born on April 3, 1933, in Philadelphia, Pa., and was the son of Mary (McCarthy) Sawyer and Norman Sawyer. Prior to his graduation from high school, William served our country proudly in the united States navy during the Korean War from 1952 to 1956. “Bill,” as he was known to his family and friends, was an outstanding athlete during his high school years, playing ice hockey, baseball and foot- ball. he retired from the City of Lawrence Public Property and Parks as a painting foreman and never looked back, and he enjoyed retirement immensely. Bill loved to go fishing most every morning, as well as his weekly bowling and golf leagues, up until this past year when health issues pre- vented him from participating. the best of times for Bill were times spent with family and friends, traveling, cruises, Danby, Vermont fishing trips, and all the uniquely creative and adventurous group outings and holidays the family enjoyed together. Bill was a loving husband, who adored his wife of 60 years, Lorraine, a great Dad, Grampa and Great Grampa. he is survived by his wife, Lorraine (Despres) Sawyer; three daughters, Lou Ann Morin and her husband, Norman, of Townsend, Mass., Nancy Roy and her husband, Donald, of Methuen, and Patricia Gallagher of Methuen; one son, William Sawyer and his wife, Lisa, of Windham,
NH; grandchildren, Melanie, Dan, Michael, Paige, Ceara, hunter, Cameron, nick, and Spenser; great-grandchildren, Samantha, LJ, Bethany, Mikayla, Liana, and Tyler; and several nieces and nephews. he also leaves a sister, Fran “Bunny” Leeh and her husband, Neil, of Virginia; sister- in-law, Juliann Sawyer of Lawrence; brothers-in-law, Paul Despres and wife, Ann, of hampstead, n.h., and William Despres of Methuen; and sisters-in-law, Helen Delaney and her husband, Ben, of hampton, n.h., and Jeanne Reynolds and her husband, Michael Dundorf of Methuen. he was predeceased by his daughter, Mary ellen Vincent; a sister, Mary Ann Masucci; a brother, Norman Sawyer; brothers-in-law, Wilfred “Poochie” Despres, Dennis Reynolds, Thomas Decubellis, and Harry Masucci; and sisters-in-law, Harriett Despres and Collette “Kit” Despres. A special thank you to all the caregivers at Methuen Village, who, for the past 11 months, allowed Dad to live as independently as possible. this meant so much to him and our family, as he was very happy there. We are forever grateful for your caring and compassion ARRANGEMENTS: A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, June 25, at 10 a.m., at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home Inc., 122 Amesbury St., Lawrence, Mass. A burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Lawrence. Family and friends may call on Tuesday, June 24, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home. For more information, or to send a condolence, please go to www. breenfuneralhome.com.