Robert Martin Sawyer

Robert Martin Sawyer, 46, passed away peacefully, after a four-year battle with cancer, on the morning of November 6, 2023, with his beloved wife, Lisa Jaehnig, at his side. The youngest of three children, he grew up in Hamilton, Massachusetts, and Arlington, Virginia. Rob graduated from Yorktown High School, followed by The College of William & Mary, where he studied Biological Psychology and Neuroscience and was a brother in Sigma Chi fraternity. After college he earned an M.A. in Medical Sciences from Boston University School of Medicine and took courses towards a Master of Science in Biotechnology at Johns Hopkins University.

Most recently, he was a partner at LAZAR, a communications consultancy specializing in biotech and pharma. He held previous positions at Cangen Biotechnologies, Pfizer, and Cohn & Wolfe. He began his career as a research assistant evaluating the efficacy and accuracy of novel rapid screen HIV test devices at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation.

Rob was an accomplished guitarist and an avid and knowledgeable music lover with impeccable taste. After college, he performed in the band Down Wilson, among others. Rob and Lisa (a professional singer) were habitually asked to perform in their friends' weddings.

He had an infectious laugh, a wicked sense of humor, a powerful intellect, a love of travel, and was very much a cat person, even though he was allergic. Rob had a thirst for knowledge and genuine interest in a wide range of topics. There were few subjects about which he couldn't share a deep understanding-to the edification of his friends and family who looked to him for recommendations on everything from technology to music.

Rob enjoyed playing baseball as a boy and became a loyal fan of the New York Mets after he moved in 2006 to the Upper East Side of New York City, where he lived the rest of his life.

Above all Rob was a dedicated husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend, known for his unparalleled skill at substantive conversation, sense of humor, great care for others, and a uniquely insightful approach to life.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa Jaehnig; his parents, Lynn T. Sawyer of Arlington, Virginia, and Skip Sawyer of Jacksonville, Florida; his two sisters, Amy Sawyer and Carolyn O'Keefe; his cat, Sting; and countless devoted friends far and wide.

Donations can be sent to Anjellicle Cats Rescue (www.anjelliclecats.com).