Clifford R. Sawyer

Clifford R. Sawyer, 74, of Worcester, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 9th surrounded by his wife and children. Survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Nancy F. (Menanson); four children, Marc C. and his wife, Emily of Charlton, Leigh M. Blanchard and her husband, Eric of Rutland, Lindsay E. Sawyer and her partner, Deven Plant of Worcester, and Laura A. Quinn and her husband, Thomas of Worcester; and seven grandchildren, Ella and Lila Sawyer, Luke, McKenna, Harper, and Evelyn Blanchard, and Riley Quinn.
Born on March 7, 1948, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island to parents Clifford Sawyer and Marion T. (McDonald) Sawyer Sheehan. He leaves his mother, brother Francis E. Sawyer, his wife Sharon, of Worcester, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Clifford Sawyer, and sister, Joan M. Robert.
A graduate of South High School in 1966, Cliff went on to graduate from Quinsigamond Community College in 1969, Worcester State College in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science, and with his master's degree in Special Education in 1977, and Anna Maria College in 1982 with a CAGS in Counseling.
He was an avid longtime collector of Laurel & Hardy memorabilia, a member of the International Sons of the Desert Laurel & Hardy organization, and for the past 18 years, Grand Sheik of the Night Owls Tent #11. He and Nancy traveled to many domestic and international Laurel & Hardy conventions over the years. His collection is world-renowned. He was also an active member of the Alhambra Council Knights of Columbus, and Retired Men's Club of Greendale in Worcester, managing two bowling leagues.
For many years (1973-1991) Cliff ran bodybuilding competitions including Mr. Worcester, Mr. Massachusetts, Mr. Baystate, Mr. America, and Mr. Universe. He also competed in some. He was president of the AAU bodybuilding for New England. He also organized and competed in arm wrestling competitions. In 1986, Cliff took third place in the World Arm Wrestling Championship for his weight class.
Over the course of his 37-year career in Worcester, he taught at North High School and Burncoat Senior High School. He started the Returnee Program with colleague Linda Bergstrom at North. He later taught special education at North and Burncoat. Following his retirement from the Worcester Public Schools, he became a principal in Woonsocket for 3 years.
The Sawyer family enjoyed many summers at their condo in Old Orchard Beach. Cliff loved his backyard pool and float, trips to the beach, and his Lincoln Continental Town Cars.
Of all his accomplishments and titles, he loved being called Dad and Cliffy the most. He will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality and jokes.
Friends and family are invited to calling hours on Tuesday, June 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. A funeral Mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant St. Worcester, on June 15 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Worcester Educational Development Foundation in Cliff's honor.