Marlborough – Ronald M. Sawtelle, 63, of Marlborough, died Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018, after a long battle with diabetes.
Ron was born in Corinna, Maine, and moved to Marlborough when he was eight years old. One of three children, born to Dorothy (Larson) and the late Franklyn Sawtelle, he lived in Marlborough for the past 55 years.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy Anne (Walcott) Sawtelle; his daughter, Heather Sawtelle-Mckenzie and her husband Mathew; his son, Matthew Sawtelle and his wife Michelle; his grandsons, Brett and Jeffrey Sawtelle-Mckenzie; his granddaughter, Michaela Sawtelle-Mckenzie; his grandson, Benjamin Sawtelle; his brother, Michael Sawtelle and his wife Ann Gustufson; his sister, Beverly (Sawtelle) Wellen and her husband William, as well as his mother, Dorothy Sawtelle.
Ron grew up in Marlborough and was a 1973 graduate of Marlborough High School. Ron and his wife Nancy met in the eighth grade and have only loved each other ever since. They would have celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary this summer. Ron was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother, as well as a beloved friend to many. Ron was a man of many talents, working as a licensed contractor to working as a welder at General Motors. He found the most joy working with people and bringing smiles to the faces of everyone he met in his various positions at Home Depot.
Beyond work, Ron’s passion was for family and for God. Ron known to many, as his children were in high school, as Papabear, impacted every life he touched. He was a resource of love and support, no matter what the situation. Ron was in his element when he was surrounded by family and friends. He will be remembered for his contagious smile and his love of life, despite the circumstances.
Ron waged a battle against complications stemming from diabetes, and in the end succumbed to them. Through all the medical complications he faced, he was steadfast in his knowledge that God was still working. We can rest assure now that he is no longer battling. As his three-year-old grandson, Benjamin, asked, “Is Bampa’s leg all better now?” Yes, Benjamin, Bampa is all better now.
Ron’s family will receive family and friends Thursday, January 25, from 5-7 p.m., at the Slattery Funeral Home, Inc., 40 Pleasant St., Marlborough. A funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517 (www.supportwoundedwarriorproject.org).
