MILBRIDGE — Neil Joseph Sawyer passed away Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, at his home in Milbridge. He was 57 years old.
Neil was born in Danbury, Conn., on May 17, 1959, to Robert and Joyce Sawyer. He is remembered as being too smart for his own good, so it was a surprise to the family when he chose to join the Navy at the age of 23. He was proud of his time in service, earning many commendations, including recognition of his actions during the Gulf War. While stationed in the Philippines he met his future wife, Lucille Sawyer. Together they would have three children: Jill, James and Joyce. After 20 years in the Navy, Neil retired to Maine, eventually settling in Milbridge.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Lucille, and two daughters, Jill and Joyce. He leaves his mother, Joyce Sawyer, seven brothers: Robert and his wife, Dency (Windham, Conn.), Gene and his wife, Julia (Antrim, N.H.), James and his wife, Valerie (Harrington), Paul (Harrington), John and his wife, Tracy (Charlestown, R.I.), Patrick and his wife, Carol (Harrington), and Michael and his wife, Cara (Cherryfield), and two sisters: Dianne Cvercko and her husband, Jack (Ormond Beach, Fla.), Pamela Piper and her husband, Edmund (Norwich, Vt.). Also, his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Robert Sawyer, and his son, James Sawyer.
Above all Neil is remembered for his unwavering strength and courage in the face of his illness. Despite the struggles of MS he was always smiling.
A memorial service will be held at St. Michaels in Cherryfield on May 12 at 10 a.m. Friends are welcome to come and celebrate Neil’s life.
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