Russell John Sawyer

Russell John Sawyer, age 68, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on September 23, 1956, he was the son of the late Henry J. and Rita D. (Collard) Sawyer. Russ was raised in Walpole, Massachusetts and attended the local public schools. He spent hours as a young boy riding his mountain bike as well as his ATV with his brother, visiting the Hatfield McCoy Trails in West Virginia.

After his graduation from Walpole High School with the class of 1974, Russ began working with hydraulics for Knox-Norton in South Walpole. When Russ left Knox-Norton, he continued his work with hydraulics at Michaelson Fluid Power in Smithfield, Rhode Island. Later in his career, Russ took a position with Rolls Royce in Walpole. He started in assembly before moving to the team lead roll working with actuators, winches and waterjets, alongside his brother Bob, before working in quality control.

Russ lived in a variety of places over the course of his life, including in Manville, Rhode Island and Cumberland, Rhode Island. In 2002, Russ and his long-term girlfriend Diane moved in together, making their home in Plainville, Massachusetts. Two short years later, Russ married the love of his life, Diane A. Duffy, on October 8, 2004, at the Blackinton Inn in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Russ and Diane went on many adventures together; taking a cruise to Nova Scotia and vacations in Maine. 

Family was incredibly important to Russ. He loved to spend time with his family. Russ was incredibly close with his nieces and nephews, who he loved as if they were his own. When Russ married Diane, he became a proud and loving stepfather to Diane's daughter Nicole. Russ was thrilled to be a father figure to Nicole, making sure to always be there for her. When Russ retired from Rolls Royce in 2021, he took on a new job - helping to raise his grandchildren. Papa, as Russ was affectionately called, was overjoyed to be able to help take care of the kids. He was a beacon of light for them to follow.

In his free time, Russ enjoyed many activities. He was a member of the Angle Tree Stone Rod Gun Club in North Attleboro where he practiced target shooting. Every now and then he and Diane would head to Foxwoods to "try his luck", hoping to win big. At home, Russ could be found meticulously caring for his lawn, something he took great pride in. He loved listening to classic rock music, especially Steely Dan and Pink Floyd. Russ ended each night with the company of his wife, watching the latest episodes of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

Beloved Husband of Diane A. (Duffy) Sawyer

Loving Stepfather of Nicole M. Hebert and her husband Steven of Attleboro

Cherished Papa of Boden Hebert and Emmeline Hebert

Brother of Jacqueline R. Kiley and her husband Harold of Mansfield, Robert H. Sawyer of Brownfield, Maine, Joanne M. Sawyer of Plainville, and the late James D. Sawyer and his surviving wife Mildred "Sue" of Attleboro

Brother in law of Debbie O’Connor and her husband Billy of Nahant, Michael Duffy of New Castle, Colorado, and Pia Ringrose and her husband James of Apollo Beach, Florida

Uncle to Rebecca Cooney and her husband Stephen, Nicholas Kiley, Megin Scottin and her husband Michael, Madison Duffy, Alex Proal, and the late Scott Sawyer, Great-Uncle to Harrison Cooney, Sawyer Cooney, Samuel Cooney, Amber Scottin, Kaylene Scottin, and Michael Scottin.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Russ' Life Celebration on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

All are invited to attend Russ' Funeral Service at the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole, on Thursday, February 27th, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Terrace Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Russell's name may be made to The Salvation Army at 25 Shawmut Road, Canton, MA 02021 or by visiting https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/massachusetts/ and selecting 'donate', or to Marine Toys for Tots - Greater Boston c/o 1st Battalion 25th Marines, 53 Quebec Street, Fort Devens, MA 01432 or by visiting https://boston-ma.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/local-donate.aspx