Eric S. Sawyer

FUNERAL HOME

John F. Tierney Funeral Home, Inc.

219 West Center Street

Manchester, Connecticut

Eric Sawyer Obituary

Eric S. Sawyer, 'Ric', 76, beloved husband of Pamela (Ziegler) Sawyer, of Bolton, passed away Nov. 5, 2021, at Hartford Hospital.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, to the late Carl S. Sawyer, M.D., and Gertrude (Doliber) Sawyer, Ric proudly served his country retiring with 27 years as a pilot in the U.S. Army and National Guard with a combat tour in Vietnam. His career continued as a corporate and State Police helicopter pilot for 45 years. Racing motorcycles, treasuring old cars, bee keeping, 'tinkering' in the garage, spending time with family and friends on the farm in Vermont, were only a touch of what he loved to do.

He is survived by his daughters, Margaret Sawyer, Elizabeth Krueger and husband, Sean; grandsons, Jackson and Maxwell; siblings, Carl D. Sawyer and wife, Ava, Elizabeth Fitzgibbons, Mary Sawyer and husband, William Allinder, Laura Sawyer, David Sawyer and wife, Caroline, and Peter Sawyer. He was predeceased by his brother Richard Sawyer and brother-in-law Paul Fitzgibbons. Ric has many beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 41 Park St. in Manchester, followed with military honors. Burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Huey 369 Museum, 209 South Broadway, Peru, IN, 46970 or the charity of one's choice.

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www.tierneyfuneralhome.com

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Published by Journal Inquirer from Nov. 12 to Nov. 16, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Eric Sawyer

8 Entries

John Walker

November 17, 2021

To The Sawyer Family,

God Bless Eric's Soul, His History as a Veteran Huey Pilot and may God Bless His Family during this difficult time!
As a Life Member of American Huey 369 Organization, Eric's History as Veteran Huey Pilot will be Preserved in the National American Huey History Museum.
We humbly and Proudly Thank those who made Donations to His Organization.
Sincerely,
All His Fellow Members of the American Huey 369 Organization

Tad and Gloria Derouin

November 15, 2021

Ric Sawyer - True Gentleman-True Husband, Dad and Grandpa and Veteran a hero to all who know and love him and truly great aviator who served his country and state. Our thoughts and prayers to all who shared in all Ric shared to make us all one with him for eternity.

Tad Derouin

November 15, 2021

An Angel Stopped Me Today

As always the day started early by 4:00 am

And southern office I was at today

By 9:45 I was headed north to see my crews along the way

My mobile on set to do not disturb

As I always do

As no call or text more important than coming home safely to you

I drove in silence as normal for me

Time traveling better spent praying for all less fortunate than me

No need for radio and hearing the worlds fails

So much better in God´s trails

Suddenly a tear fell from my eye

Then many more flowed

I asked God why

My eyes were blurred

As the tears flowed

I had to pull over to the side of the road

A text appeared on my phone from Steve

A man of God is he

A man I know and truly love

I trembled as I read Steve´s words

The tears flowed hard words hard to read

Ric was home with God is all I could see

My thoughts went to Pam his loving bride

His daughters and grandchildren whom he spoke with pride

Feeling weak as I cried not one to show weakness to anyone beside

It then came to me and warmth to my heart

Ric was now free and did not depart

He just flew west no longer needing a machine

He now fly´s with Angels wings

Be well my friend , until we meet again..............

No finer man I've ever known, anything at all needed please ask...Tad

Rich Barger

November 15, 2021

Ric (Eric) Sawyer, a great friend, kind, thoughtful, wise, loyal and strong. Regarding his wisdom, I recall on one of our many Sunday morning breakfast rides in the hinter lands of Eastern Connecticut, as the ride leader being lost and frustrated on some back road . In this time of frustration/consternation, Ric casually stated you can't be "lost" if you don't care where you are. Here we were on a beautiful country lane, bounded by old, and some stately, New England farms, were with our buddies and on our motorcycles. Great advice not to be forgotten. Regarding his strength, I will never fully appreciate the hardships he endured in Viet Nam. I did however, have the pleasure of his company near the end of his life. He never uttered a complaint regarding anything of his life or dying experiences. Zenta and I send our most sincere condolences to Pam and his family and I will be eternally thankful for his friendship and good character. Ride on Ric, Rich and Zenta Barger

Rory and Sandol

November 14, 2021

We will miss Rick. Pam and family are in our thoughts.

Ray DeMaio

November 14, 2021

I offer my deepest sympathy to you for the loss of such a fine man, husband and father. I never met anyone more sincere or genuine and I miss the days when I had the opportunity to talk to Ric about his family and mine. You are a special family and know many are thinking of you at this sad time.

Robert Norton Warner

November 13, 2021

Pam, Liz, & Maggie - When I first read of Ric's passing, I was shocked. I've had a week to get used to the thought. Still, losing Ric was hard on his friends, but nothing like what you have experienced. I remember years ago when Rick visited the American Legion in Hebron. I introduced him around, but got the most enthusiastic response when I said, "And he's Pam Sawyer's husband." Seems everyone knew Pam. God Bless you always, but especially during this heartbreaking time. -Robb Warner

Erin McCarthy

November 13, 2021

My condolences to family and friends of Ric. May you find comfort in your memories and care among friends and family during this time and may God enfold you with his peace.

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