Walter Judd Sawyer, 88, of Rochester died at home on Wednesday May 20, 2015 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of M. Raye (Smith) Sawyer for nearly 56 years and the son of the late Marshall M. and Marion (Kelley) Sawyer.
Walter graduated from Fairhaven High School in 1944 and enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served in Italy. Later he studied naval architecture at M.I.T. and worked for many years at Burr Brothers Boats.
When he earned his Master’s Degree at Northeastern University, he began a new career as an Economics instructor and taught at Bristol Community College for more than 20 years. Later, into his eighties, he volunteered as a tutor.
Walter was also active for many years teaching various navigation classes for the Mattapoisett Power Squadron.
He loved traveling with his wife and children, especially to Canada, and made many trips as far north as the Hudson Bay and Labrador. He especially loved Prince Edward Island.
He is survived by his son, Benjamin Alden Sawyer, and grandson, Samuel Alden Sawyer.
He was predeceased by his eldest son, Nathaniel Judd Sawyer, and is survived by Nat’s wife, Catherine (O’Malley) Sawyer, and their son, Patrick Judd Sawyer.
Walter’s memorial service will be held on Tuesday May 26, 2015 at 11 AM at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 27 Church St., Mattapoisett. There will be a brief reception following in the Church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in Walter’s memory may be made to the Bristol Community College Foundation, 777 Elsbree St., Fall River, MA 02730, or to the Plimouth Plantation, P.O. Box 1620, Plymouth, MA 02362. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.