Winslow A. Sawyer Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Gloria (Tomasello) Sawyer of Punta Gorda, FL and Antrim, NH. His son W. Allen Sawyer, III and his wife Melinda A. Sawyer of Franklin, MA and his grandchildren, Phillip W. Sawyer and Emily E. Sawyer. He is also survived by his sister Karen E. (Sawyer) Hurd of Daytona Beach, FL. He is predeceased by his brother Stephen G. Sawyer of Amsterdam, The Netherlands and sister Janet (Sawyer) Akins of Antrim, NH.

Born in Davenport, IA on May 16, 1942, he was the son of the late Winslow A. Sawyer and Frances (Wheeler) Sawyer. Mr. Sawyer was raised in Braintree, MA. He met his future wife at a record hop when they were 14 years old. He went on to study at the University of New Hampshire, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Massachusetts.

He taught music for over 34 years at Quabbin Regional High School in Barre, MA and was one of the original teachers at that school. He eventually moved on to become the Director of Music and his leadership led to many music exchange programs and travel for his students. Although in a small school district, the music program was recognized locally, regionally and nationally, and produced some tremendous talent in music performance and education. Mr. Sawyer retired to Punta Gorda, FL and Gregg Lake in Antrim, NH.

An active member of his community, he was a member of the Barre Congregational Church, serving as a Deacon, a member of the Stewardship Campaign, and a youth group leader. Mr. Sawyer was also a member of the Mt. Zion Lodge in Barre, MA. He was a Past President of the Burnt Store North Shore Condo Association and Board Member where he lived, member of the North Shore Floggers Golf League, and a member of the Gregg Lake Association in Antrim, NH.

Mr. Sawyer was also a 70-year survivor of Type I Diabetes and an avid supporter of the Joslin Clinic in Boston. He and his sister Janet were both part of pioneering research and treatment around laser photocoagulation therapy in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, and he was an active participant in the 50-year Medalist Study. The Medalist Program recognizes and studies people who have been living with diabetes for more than 50+years.

Throughout his life, he retained his quirky sense of humor, was an avid golfer, and treasured spending summers on Gregg Lake connecting with family and driving his boat.

He will forever be known as a kind hearted and gentle soul. A man that could teach young children to play a musical instrument and give the gift of laughter and fun that accompanies music.

Funeral services will be announced at later date. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Joslin Diabetes Center, Inc., One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215.