Groton - Arthur M. "Art" or "Artie" Sawyer, 73, passed away Jan. 5, 2024, after a battle with lung cancer. He was born Sept. 23, 1950, in New London to Grace Priscilla (Miner) and Edward L. Sawyer.

He grew up in Groton and graduated from Fitch High School in 1968. While at Fitch, he lettered in Baseball, Basketball, and Football all three years of his high school career. He was a team captain in each sport during his senior year, and he is an inductee into the Fitch High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

After high school, Art graduated from the University of Connecticut in Storrs, and went on to work for the East Lyme Public School System where he taught physical education until he retired in 1997. During his teaching career, Art coached many different high school sports at East Lyme High School and other schools including men's and women's basketball, baseball, and football, and he was undoubtedly a huge influence on the lives of a whole generation of student athletes.

Art's family, including his father, grandfather, and brothers, were a lobstering family and he worked on the water during the summer months when he wasn't busy with school. After he retired from teaching, he helped his brother Dick managing his lobster pound on Jupiter Point Road in Groton and making deliveries to many local restaurants in the Groton/New London/Mystic area.

Art enjoyed watching and following sports, reading about American history, and doing crossword puzzles. He was a peaceful and gentle man who wouldn't think twice about helping anybody in need in any way that he could.

He was predeceased by his parents; and his brothers, Leonard and Richard Sawyer. He is survived by his sons, Scott and David Sawyer of Groton. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

The whole earth is the tomb of heroic men and their story is not given only on stone over their clay but abides everywhere without visible symbol woven into the stuff of other mens lives. - Pericles

Funeral services will be private. Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., Groton is assisting the family. Please visit www.Byles.com to sign the guestbook or to share a memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Jan. 14, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Sawyer

Sponsored by Byles-Groton Memorial Home - Groton.

20 Entries

Ibby Sawyer

January 28, 2024

Art was a gentleman who cared deeply about his family. He was a devoted father and brother. I will miss his phone calls, “just checking in.” May he rest in peace.

Tom Berry

January 22, 2024

My heartfelt condolences to the entire Sawyer family. Growing up in Groton on Shennecossett Road, I knew Artie as a kid. Even though I was a few years younger than Artie, he and his brother Lenny would sometimes allow us, the younger kids, to participate in the baseball games at the Chase/Morrison estate. That was when I first realized what an outstanding athlete and all around good guy he was; Artie could do everything well, especially pitching. Later on when we were both in Little League, you knew that if you were playing Artie´s team that day and he was pitching, there was a good chance you would lose. He went on to Fitch to become a star athlete in all sports. In those days, when hitchhiking was the norm, I can remember my father picking up Artie and giving him a ride home; being the free spirit he was, he was usually barefoot!

Being such a "superstar" one would think that Artie would have been somewhat aloof but nothing could be further from the truth. He was friendly and approachable and would always greet you with a warm smile. He will be missed.

STEPHEN KENNEDY

January 19, 2024

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Kerry Rollo-Egan

January 17, 2024

Artie you will be so missed, we had a lot of memories together. I am so sorry that I wasnt in your life more. You were very special to me. Rest in peace my friend. Love Kerry

Beverly Land Bennett

January 17, 2024

So sorry to hear this. We were in Sunday school and BYF at Poquonnock Bridge Baptist church. Many,many years of friendship and great memories. May his family be comforted in the days to come.

Tim Evers

January 16, 2024

I enjoyed sharing stories with Art when I was a guidance counselor at ELHS. We frequently played paddleball together and I especially enjoyed playing golf with him and other teachers when he and Bonnie hosted us at school year-end parties. I enjoyed his sense of humor and occasional conversations when we got together after he retired. Thanks for the good times, Art.

Charlie Chase

January 15, 2024

Art and I grew up together on Shennecossett Road, playing sports and games. Especially fun was sledding on the hill by his house: one path went narrowly between two pine trees, the other went to a high retaining wall by the street - you could swerve at the last moment, or launch off the wall onto the road (IF there was still snow on the road)! We were both short and played football with our older brothers, but we usually won because no one could tackle Artie. I remember when his father taught him how to throw a curve ball - it became one of the best in the state.

David Sdao

January 15, 2024

Heaven has called home a true All-Star.

L. Michael Clancy

January 15, 2024

I am so sad to see that Artie has passed. He was a teammate of mine on the Fitch football team. Artie was a terrific Quaterback and was instrumental in beating New London High in 1965 on Thanksgiving Day. He threw a pass to WR Tom Mozee who caught it to beat the Whalers.
The last time I saw Artie was at the cancer center in Waterford where both of us were being treated with chemo. It is sad seeing people I had gone to high school with and worked with passing on. I pray that I am not the last one to close the door of our generation. Much sympathy to Artie's family and other loved ones. He will be missed very much. RIP Teammate.

Dick Patker

January 14, 2024

So sorry to hear. Worked many years with him. Condolences to his sons & family.

Tom Sullivan

January 14, 2024

Played American Legion baseball for Mr Sawyer in 1980 and 1981. He had a good sense of humor, treated me well and thoroughly enjoyed playing for him. Rest In Peace Mr. Sawyer

Wes and Val Clark

January 14, 2024

I got to know Art pretty well in our days, and years sharing time at the Par 4 restaurant. We became friends and shared many stories and quite a few laughs. He was one of this area´s greatest all round athletes. Not mentioned in the obit, he was also a top flight golfer. Art was a gentle, caring man with a great sense of humor. My wife and I will pray for comfort and strength at this time for Art´s loved ones. Especially Scott, Dave, and Bonnie.

Dan Sullivan

January 14, 2024

Just an incredible personal friend and teaching colleague. Art's athleticism never waned. Near the end of his teaching career and the end of a PE class period, I watched Art entertain a group of students by sinking 5 free throws with his eyes closed. Accusing him of peeking, Art was then "blindfolded" and continued to swish them through the net as the bell rang. A humble man, Art never revealed that he still held the Fitch HS career scoring record.

Kevin Kelly

January 14, 2024

RIP Art. We shared many great times at Shenny. Golf of course, UCONN sports and East Lyme youth sports.

Jeff Turner

January 14, 2024

I played baseball with Art when he attended Fitch and when I attended Waterford High School. We also played together on the Highwaymen in the old Morgan City League. In addition to his baseball skills, Art was a gentleman on and off the playing field. I send my condolences to the Sawyer family.

Al Yuhas

January 14, 2024

Artie was my baseball coach in high school and 16-18 league. Loved the man! He had me start against Fitch and told me he would give me the game ball if we won. I pitched a no-hitter and I still have that ball to this day. He also signed it. He started the baseball association in East Lyme and did a lot of good for the baseball team. May he rest in peace! Al Yuhas class of “79”

Jack & Deb Jones

January 13, 2024

Scott & David,
We send our love to you at this difficult time. May your memories bring you comfort.

Cherrie Morton-Buscher

January 13, 2024

To the Family:

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Art. Prayers to you all.

Dennis Curry

January 13, 2024

Scott I'm so sorry for your loss my friend. He'll always be there ♥

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