Norman Ray Sawyer, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, veteran, and friend, passed away at home on April 20, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on December 29, 1946, in El Paso, Texas, Norman was the beloved son of Alfred Ray Sawyer and Mildred Geraldine Foster Manning of Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
Norman was a proud graduate of Oxon Hill High School and continued his education at Prince George’s Community College. He served his country honorably as a Vietnam veteran from 1969 to 1970. A member of the elite MACV Recondo School, he proudly served with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in the 101st Airborne Division, “The Screaming Eagles.” Norman carried the pride and spirit of his military service with him throughout his life.
His professional life was as diverse and hardworking as the man himself. Norman worked as a meter reader with Washington Gas Light, later owning and operating Sawyer Moving Company. He went on to work for the U.S. Department of State and ultimately spent most of his career in real estate development. He also operated Chaney’s Restaurant in North Beach, Maryland, adding to the many ways he invested in and served his community.
In 1972, Norman married the love of his life, Mary Ann Sawyer. Together they shared 52 wonderful years of marriage, building a home filled with laughter, love, and devotion. He is survived by his daughter, Julie D’Anna, and her husband, Joe D’Anna, as well as his beloved grandchildren, David and Katie D’Anna of Laurel, Maryland.
Norman is also survived by his sister Jane Katsarelis (George) of Bumpass, Virginia; his brother John Sawyer (Barbara) of Stafford, Virginia; his sister-in-law Virginia Kapusnick (Joseph) of Rockville, Maryland; and his brother-in-law Wayne Beck of Umatilla, Florida. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews: Denise Summa (Joseph) of Ramona, California; Mark Pancerella (Shamon) of Bristow, Virginia; Doug Jackson of Warrenton, Virginia; John Sawyer Jr. (Jennifer) of Stafford, Virginia; Amanda Osorio of Stafford, Virginia; Elizabeth Dooley (Sean) of Silver Spring, Maryland; and Jean Kapusnick of Riverdale, Maryland.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Louise Beck, and his nephew, David Wayne Beck of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland.
Norman’s life was defined by his deep love for his family, his unwavering dedication to his country, and his relentless work ethic. He will be remembered for his gentle humor, warm heart, wisdom, and the strength he brought to every chapter of his life.
Per Norman’s wishes, no service will be held. In his memory, the family invites friends and loved ones to raise a glass of his favorite — a flavored water — and remember a fond moment shared with him.
He will be forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered.
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Jeff Krahling
April 30 – Obituary: Norman Ray Sawyer
Mary Ann, Lois and I extend our deepest condolences to you and your family. We miss seeing you both on the boardwalk or around town. We have added you and your family to our prayers.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Willie & Diane Berdeguez
April 29 – Obituary: Norman Ray Sawyer
Mary Ann, Willie and I extend our deepest condolences to you and your family. Memories as neighbors in Greenbelt, Calvert County residents go back to 1973. “Duke”, moving company, all Norman’s cars, and of course “Dickie Hogan” Rest in Peace Norman.
Meghan Kostkowski
April 29 – Obituary: Norman Ray Sawyer
Dear Mary Ann & Julie,
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Your husband & Dad was a great man! Although I didn’t have the pleasure of speaking with him much, he exemplified a quiet toughness and rugged American strength each time I had the pleasure of his acquaintance even while attending his grandson’s birthday party at Dave & Buster’s or his granddaughter’s birthday party of a pool filled with silly children. He was always there reminding the rest of us of what we might become should we rise to the challenge of living courageously; the worldly patriarch of a beautiful, accomplished, and loving family. He was a hero to his daughter and what more can a man ask for? Julie’s stories of his wild youth and her adventures with him during his years of early fatherhood stand out as memorable and hilarious and always left me wishing I knew him better. He was an example of a breed of man that is more and more difficult to find these days; rough & tumble, fiercely loyal, generous, encouraging, and leading by example in how to live a full life of adventure surrounded by those you love. He will be sorely missed. It is a small consolation to write as much but I take heart in knowing the the best of him lives on in you both, in your memories of him, and in his grandchildren. I see his wild spirit and his sense of humor in both David and Kate. Please know that I will pray for you both and for him. I send you both my love.
With sincerest condolences,
Meghan Kostkowski
Christie Bringetto
April 26 – Obituary: Norman Ray Sawyer
Sending you all of my love, Norm was a joy to be around every time we got together and will be so missed. This was a beautiful tribute to him and incredible to read about all of the amazing things he did in his life. Love to you Mary Ann and Julie
William V Hamilton
April 26 – Obituary: Norman Ray Sawyer
Mary Ann, Julie, and all the Sawyer family, I am so sorry for your loss. Norman has been a very special friend to me for almost 30 years. He was a great inspiration in my life. I did many projects for Norman and Mary Ann from working on your personal homes, Ocean City Condos, to your many rental properties. I never considered you a customer, just good friends. I loved the stories he shared and the one’s we created over the years. It was an honor to know him and I am so blessed to have him as a friend. He will be truly missed by me and all the people he crossed paths with in his life.
Your Friend Forever,
William “Bill” Hamilton
Ed and Leslie
April 24 – Obituary: Norman Ray Sawyer
My sweet friend Mary Ann & family – Ed and I are so sorry to hear of Norman’s passing. We are sure going to miss him and all the memories of the fun times we’ve had all these years. We are so appreciative of his thoughtfulness (and yours also) calling Ed every week to check on him after his treatment. This means so much to us & really has helped Ed in his fight with cancer. Sending prayers to you and your family during this difficult time – we love you, and will talk to you soon.
Dee Fliss
April 23 – Obituary: Norman Ray Sawyer
Mary Ann I’m so sorry to hear of Norman’s passing. He was so funny and quick witted so full of life. May he rest in peace. You and Julie as well as the rest of the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Scooter Adkins
April 23 – Obituary: Norman Ray Sawyer
Rest in Peace Norman, you are missed, thank you for serving our country.
Pete harrison
April 23 – Obituary: Norman Ray Sawyer
I’m so sorry for the Sawyer family My memories of Norman are back in 1969 when we were together for 11 months in Vietnam . We made a connection that has lasted through the years. We reconnected after 55 years and our friendship was strong as ever . Missing him.
Jenny Maines
April 22 – Obituary: Norman Ray Sawyer
My Dearest Mary Ann and Julie
I am so sorry your loss. Norman was a great and living friend to me and my family. I will miss him terribly. I pray for you and hope God grants you peace during this time.
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