John V. Sawyer II ’54

JONESPORT – John V. Sawyer, II, 83, died March 9, 2017, in Machias. He was born October 3, 1933, in Bangor, to Daniel J. and Evelyn (Wind) Sawyer.

John graduated from Maine Maritime Academy in 1954, sailed for a short time on an oil tanker and served two years in the Navy as Operations Officer on the USS Ruchamkin. Upon discharge from the Navy, he worked in Boston and New York as an Ocean Marine Insurance Underwriter. He returned home in 1970 to run and operate Worcester-Sawyer Agency. John served on the board of directors of Union Trust Company in Ellsworth for 32 years and was chairman for 17 years.

He had a certificate of insurance from Northeastern University, was a certified insurance counselor, and was a licensed real estate broker. He was a member of Jonesport Masonic Lodge #188, the Scottish Rite Bodies, and Anah Shrine.

John was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Betty Wersebe Sawyer. He is survived by children Susan Smith and husband, Timothy of Sidney; John V. Sawyer III (’84) and wife, Laurie of Sidney; and Daniel J. Sawyer III and wife, Nancy of Jonesport; grandchildren Justin, Daniel IV, John IV, Kai, and Sarah; and his sister, Judith White of Florida.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m., Monday, March 13, 2017, at Sawyer Memorial Congregational Church, Jonesport, with Pastor Phyllis Merritt officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations in John’s memory may be made to the Sawyer Memorial Congregational Church Steeple Fund, P.O. Box 249, Jonesport, ME 04649. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.mcclurefamilyfuneral.com