Ernest Z. Sawyer, Jr.

With heavy hearts we share that Ernest Z. Sawyer, Jr, 96, a lifelong Northborough resident, passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025 after a period of declining health. His beloved wife of 70 years, Evelyn (Mariano) Sawyer, passed away December 6, 2021. Raised in Northborough, he was the devoted son to his parents Ora and Ernest Z. Sawyer, Sr. the youngest and only boy of 6 children. 

He was the cherished father of his daughter Deb and her husband Bob Reynolds, Jr. He will lovingly be remembered by his grandchildren Mandy Fallon (Pete), Stefanie Aspero (Kevin) and Jeff Reynolds (Paloma). He was blessed with four precious great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Lyla Fallon and Theodore and Benjamin Aspero, who brought him so much joy. In addition to his wife, Ernie was preceded in death by his sisters Corinne, Virginia, Phyllis, Betty and Lorraine. 

Ernie’s passions were his family and his six lane candlepin bowling alley. He owned and operated Sawyer’s Bowladrome in the center of Northboro since 1953. He loved sharing the story of how he and his father dug out and created the basement for the alley with wheelbarrow and shovel. Anyone knowing Ernie (Junie, EZ, Skin, Barchie) knew this was his happy place. He felt fortunate to work until the age of 95. He was a kind, caring and humble man with an unmatched work ethic who saw only the good in people. 

The “dash” between Ernie’s years of life were well spent with love and hard work. Ernie had an exciting baseball career as a pitcher and was the property of the Washington Senators. He played in various places including Waterbury, Selma and Chattanooga to name a few. He was also known for his two handed set shot in basketball and was a talented athlete in any sport he played. 

He served his country in the United States Army from 1948 to 1950 as a crypto specialist during the Korean War. As Sergeant First Class, he was assigned to the 313th Signal Battalion located at Fort George Meade, MD. 

Ernie greatly appreciated his visits and the love he was given by Sandy, Allen, Janet, Lisa, and Nicole. His love extended to include his 23 nieces and nephews as well as all his bowlers, creating strong bonds with those who bowled for decades. 

Following Ernie’s wishes there will be no public services. A private graveside service in Howard Street Cemetery, Northborough, will take place to lay him to rest beside his wife. 

The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Sawyer Family with arrangements.