Former Wakefield Chamber of Commerce president
Published in the July 6, 2017 edition
NORTH READING – Mr. Richard A. Sawin, 81, formerly of Wakefield and Lynnfield, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2017, with his family by his side at The Kaplan Family Hospice Home in Danvers.
He was the beloved husband of Ruth Sawin, with whom he shared sixty years of marriage.
He was the devoted and loving father of Deborah A. Sawin of Somerville, Richard A. Sawin, Jr. of Boston, and Linda A. Jones and her husband Bradley H. Jones, Jr. of North Reading.
He was the cherished and adoring grandfather of Alexis R. Jones and Nicholas B. Jones.
Mr. Sawin is also survived by his brother Frederick G. Sawin and his wife Cynthia of Salem, NH, his sisters-in-law Mary K. Taddeo of Malden and Virginia K. Falzarano of Lynnfield, his brother-in-law Alexander Fraser of Burlington, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Carol Fraser.
Born in Melrose, the son of the late Arthur H. and Constance L. Sawin, he was a graduate of Stoneham High School, Class of 1953, and of Northeastern University, Class of 1958. Mr. Sawin worked for RH Stearns Company in Boston and then both oversaw the construction of and managed its branch stores at the Chestnut Hill, North Shore, and South Shore Malls. He later ran his family business, Sawin Motors in Wakefield, until his retirement.
He was a past president of the Wakefield Chamber of Commerce and very active in the Wakefield community. He was a member of the Quannapowitt Rod & Gun Club, the Andover Sportsmen Club and the Pemigewasset Fish and Game Club for many years. He loved the time that he spent at his New Hampshire home and his travel with his family, especially his frequent trips to Saint Bart’s in the French West Indies. He was an avid sportsman and gardener. Despite all of his accomplishments and community involvement, Richard was most passionate about his family and spending time with his grandchildren.
His funeral will be held on Friday, July 7, at 9:00 am at McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Avenue, Wakefield, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 am at the Church of Saint Theresa, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Family and friends will honor and remember Richard by gathering for Calling Hours at McDonald Funeral Home on Thursday, July 6, from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Church of Saint Theresa, 63 Winter Street, North Reading, MA 01864.
For guestbook, directions, obit www.mcdonaldfs.com
