Gerry Dunn Sawyer

Gerry Sawyer, 84, passed away on May 15, 2023. He was born on October 28, 1938, in White Plains, New York, the son of Robert William Sawyer III and Anita Jacobsen.

Growing up in Scarsdale, New York, Gerry treasured his childhood memories spent on the family farm in Ashland, Maine. Following college, he embarked on an extraordinary journey in the air force as an airplane mechanic, traveling extensively throughout Europe. Upon his return to the United States, he pursued his passion for engineering, studying at Columbia University and later contributing his skills to NASA. As his career progressed, he transitioned to computer engineering, actively participating in the New York Amateur Computer Club, HAM radio club, and working at Sony for several years.

Gerry possessed an adventurous spirit and was an avid undersea and cave diver, exploring the depths off the coasts of Long Island and Florida. He enjoyed hunting for lobster and caught several giant lobsters in Long Island. He made many trips to Maine and spent time in the Fall staying in the Sawyer family cabin and hunting with his brother and uncle Pete. Notably, he made pioneering strides by automating calculations for his uncle's woodland business using a computer, which was a groundbreaking discovery during that time.

In 1981, Gerry married Susan Martin, and together they welcomed three daughters into the world: Christine, Caroline, and Kimberly. He had a love for submarines, aircraft carriers and old airplanes, and many family vacations were spent learning about history. Relocating to Hudson, Ohio, in the 1990s, Gerry became actively involved in the Masons and Rotary clubs, going to meetings all over the state of Ohio. Even after his divorce, he remained committed to community service, dedicating countless hours to writing the Rotary newsletter and coordinating Rotary speakers. His commitment to service extended to various organizations, where he held diverse roles and received numerous accolades.

Gerry’s remarkable list of affiliations includes the Hudson Masonic lodge (Past Master 02,03, lodge education officer), Hudson Clocktower Rotary (secretary, newsletter, booking speakers, Memorial Day Parade, Paul Harris Fellowship), Cuyahoga Falls Commandery (recorder), Valley of Akron (Past Most Wise Master 06), Ravenna Chapter Royal Arch Masons (Past Illustrious Master, Captain of the Host), Cuyahoga Falls Council (Past Illustrious Master), 17th Capitular District (Past President), Bethany Commandery (Past Commander), Council for Templar Advancement (Past President), Cuyahoga Falls Temple Board (Past President- representing Council and Commandery) Ohio Priory #18, Sojourners, Trowlers, Tall Cedars of Lebanon,  Cleveland York Rite College (Past Preeminent Governor, Order of the Purple Cross), Tyrian Chapter, Scottish Rite, Allied Masonic Degrees, Under Irish Constitution- Shannon Council (Past Chief, scribe) Traveling Council (Past Chief, Treasurer) Under Scottish Constitution- Royal Order of Scotland, Portage Field and Stream (website) and Meritorious Service Award Grand Commandery of Ohio.

Gerry was preceded in death by his father Robert III, mother Anita, brothers John, Chuck, and Robert IV. He is survived by his daughters Christine (Mike), Caroline (Brady), Kimberly and grandchildren Lincoln, Cecilia and Hunter.

A memorial service will be held in his honor on June 4th, 2023 at 4:00 pm at Tadmor Shrine 3000 Krebs Drive Akron, Ohio, 44319.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in his name to:

Grand Council Benevolent Fund, P.O. Box 751538

Dayton, Ohio 45475-1538. Funds go to pay for diabetic children to attend special summer camps.

Arrangements entrusted to Adams Mason Funeral Home (330) 535-9186