Richard DeWight Sawyer Jr.

1957 - 2023

Richard DeWight Sawyer, Jr.

Concord, NH - Richard (Dick) Sawyer died suddenly from a pulmonary embolism on April 25, 2023, at his home in Diamondhead, MS. He was born in Pittsfield, MA, on May 14, 1957.

Standing at a formidable 6'5", Dick was a gentle giant of a man. He grew up at St. Paul's School, Concord, NH, was educated in Concord Public Schools K-8, then attended St. Paul's School, graduating with the Form of 1975. Dick received a BA in Sociology from the University of New Hampshire, followed by a MA degree and an EdS (educational specialist) degree from James Madison University.

Dick worked for several years in the Head Trauma Program, Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, Fishersville, VA. He then served for over 30 years as a school psychologist in the Richmond Public Schools. Upon learning of Dick's death, his supervisor wrote, "I can tell you without hesitation that he was an exceptional school psychologist, always focusing on what was best for the students he evaluated and advocating for services on their behalf... and Dick was very much loved by his colleagues."

Upon retirement, he and his wife, Denise, relocated to Mississippi where he spent time enjoying lifelong hobbies such as cheering for the Boston Bruins and Dallas Cowboys, playing guitar and golf, reading and walking their dog, Amber.

Dick's wife Denise passed away only three days after him. He is survived by his parents, Richard, Sr. and Mary Lou (Gilman) Sawyer, of Newbury NH; his daughters Carly Sawyer, Charlottesville, VA and Kaylyn Sawyer, Columbia, SC; his step-son Erik Skogen, Savannah, GA; his first wife Catherine Satterfield, Yorktown, VA; and his sister, Karen Sawyer, Telford, PA. His family will miss his gentle and sometimes stubborn spirit, his great love for family and NH, and his easy ability to make those around him laugh.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 22, 2023, in the Old Chapel at St. Paul's School, Concord, NH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made online or by mail to:

St. Paul's School, 325 Pleasant St, Concord, NH, 03301 - SPS Fund, Student Life in memory of Richard D Sawyer, Jr.

Richmond Public Schools, RPS Education Foundation, 301 N 9th St, Richmond, VA 23219 - Honoring the Memory Fund, in memory of Richard D Sawyer, Jr.