Mark J. Sawyer

Calling hours will be held in Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg on Friday, October 2, from 10:00am – 12:00 noon. A prayer service will begin at 12:00noon. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery in Fitchburg



Mark J. Sawyer, 63, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on September 19, 2020 after a short battle with cancer.  Mark was born on November 2, 1956 in Medford, MA, and lived in Fitchburg, MA since 1981.

Mark grew up in Tewksbury, MA where he enjoyed playing baseball beginning in Little League and continuing through his high school years.  Mark graduated from Tewksbury High School in 1974.  After high school, he attended Salem State College for two years.  Mark opened his own dog grooming business shortly thereafter, where he successfully remained in business for 44 years until he became ill earlier this year.

Mark is best known as “Coach” due to his many years of coaching local youth hockey, a former coach for the St. Bernard’s High School hockey team, as well as owning and coaching The Twin City Sabercats Junior Hockey team.  Mark was a “player’s coach” due to his father-like approach to coaching.  Mark was passionate about hockey, and he dedicated much of his time to his teams for many years – from hosting out-of-state players in his home to traveling to tournaments throughout the United States and Canada.

In his free time, Mark enjoyed working in his yard, making sure his lawn showed like a golf-course.  He also enjoyed going to Rietta Flea Market on Sundays with his son and daughter-in-law.

Mark was a dedicated family man and was well-known for his soft-spoken and laid-back demeanor.  He was extremely proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, John Sawyer (2001) and his older brother, Timothy Sawyer.

Mark is survived by his wife of 39 years, Barbara (Valiton); two daughters, Kerri Pyne and her husband John of Naples, FL, Kimberly Effert and her husband Randy of Luray, VA; two sons, Mark Jr. and his wife Rosie of Fitchburg, Michael and his wife Stefanie of Holden, MA; 10 grandchildren, Sydney, Brooke, Morgan, Matthew, Austin, Kayla, Kylee, Emily, Mila, and Noah.  He also leaves behind his mother, Mary Sawyer, of Spring Hill, FL; two brothers, Scott and his wife Julie, of South Deerfield, MA, and Kevin of Spring Hill, FL; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Mark will be greatly missed by many and will live on forever in the hearts of his family.