George Frederick Sawyer

Walker Valley, NY

George Frederick Sawyer, of Walker Valley, NY, passed away peacefully on Thursday August 21, 2025, at the age of 98. He is now reunited with his beloved wife of 73 years, Barbara A. Sawyer, who predeceased him on February 25, 2025.

Born on January 5, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York, George lived a life defined by hard work, service, and devotion to his family and community.

In 1944, at just 17 years old, George proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served until 1946. After his service, he returned home and completed his education at Lynbrook High School. Later in life George continued his education graduating from Orange County Community College (OCCC) and SUNY Oswego, where he earned his degree in vocational technical education.

George met the love of his life, Barbara, in her father’s mechanic shop, where his passion for cars and engines first caught her attention. Their connection was sparked by a shared love of speed and adventure. 

A ride in his car with the rumble seat led to a lifelong journey.  George cherished the countless evenings spent at the dirt racetrack, racing and working on cars, with Barbara cheering him on from the sidelines.

In 1952 George purchased a hunting cabin in Walker Valley. He added an addition to the cabin and he moved his family there in 1957.  He joined the International Union of Bricklayers in 1957 and worked for Warwick Construction from 1959 to 1978, serving as a mason, foreman, and superintendent. Later, George shared his expertise by teaching masonry for New York State Corrections and also worked for the Town of Shawangunk. His dedication to his town included serving on the Planning Board for 25 years and as Building Inspector for 15 years.

George was a member of the Walker Valley Sportsman’s Club, a member of the Walker Valley Fire Company since May 1, 1957, and a member of the Shawangunk Mountain Snowmobile Club.

He loved the outdoors and found joy in snowmobiling, stock car racing, and his trips out west to explore Yellowstone National Park. Some of his happiest memories were made at his beloved house on Oxbow Lake in Lake Pleasant, New York.

In 2018 George participated in the Hudson Valley Honor Flight which was one of the greatest joys of his later years. The outpouring of community support and the chance to share that memorable trip with his family made it an experience he forever cherished.

George is survived by loving daughters Kathy (Wayne) Joray; Jane Rascoe; Betsy (Jay) Bain; and Susan (Frank) Jackowski and predeceased by his daughter, Stacey Sawyer and his loving son-in-law, Roger Rascoe.

He was a proud grandfather to Barbara (Leo) Fotopoulos; Sandra (John) Felice; and David Thomas; and step-granddaughters Renee (Kevin) DeGroat, Sarah (Mike) Korzeniewski, and Adrienne Rascoe. Also the proud great-grandfather to Nicole (Joe), Kraig, Leo (Melissa), Abreeanna, George, Andrew, Avery, Reagan, and Carter and loving great-great-grandfather to Zane, Kali, Ava, Priscilla, and Aubrey.

George is also survived by his brother, John Sawyer; his sister, Mary Sawyer; sisters-in-law, Carole Lackey and Claire Xeller and predeceased by his siblings Harriet, Pat, Billy, Tom, and Ray.

George will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his service to his country and community, and the kindness and warmth he shared with everyone who knew him.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday August 27, 2025 from 3-7pm at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. 1525 Burlingham Rd Pine Bush, NY. Graveside services will take place at 12:00pm on Thursday August 28, 2025 at the Walker Valley Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Walker Valley Fire Company. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com