John David Sawyer

John Sawyer was born on January 27th, 1948 at St Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the youngest of five children. After attending Bishop Stang High School he served in the Vietnam War as a Lieutenant in the US Army from 1966 to 1969.

During his distinguished career in the Army, John was awarded the Military Service Ribbon, National Defense Ribbon and Combat Action Ribbon. After serving honorably in the US Army, John graduated from the University of Massachusetts followed by earning his Law Degree from the New England Law School. Post graduation John moved to Springfield, Virginia where he served for many years as an attorney for the United States Postal Service. Having concluded his public service, John established a reputable law firm in Fairfax, Virginia as one of the principals in Sawyer & Azarcon. He practiced many different types of law in this practice for more than 40 years.

John was active in the Northern Virginia community as an officer in the American Legion Post 176 of Springfield and, being an avid boatsman was an officer in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary as a certified boating instructor.

John was preceded in death by his 3 sisters one of which was Barbara Sawyer and his great niece Courtney Roderick. He is survived by his brother Tom along with fifteen nieces and nephews, two of which, Staff Sergeant Rick Roderick USMC (retired) and Lt Colonel Mike Roderick USMC (retired) were inspired by their Uncle John and followed him into military service where they both served honorably.

John Sawyer will be buried with full military honors at Quantico National Cemetery at 2:00 pm on Friday, August 15th, 2025. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers you consider making a donation to the Courtney Roderick Run for Recovery by emailing: [email protected]