Joseph was born in Saranac Lake to the late Robert and Annabelle Sawyer.

He was predeceased by his wife, Carol Ann (Dunham), his sister and brother-in-law Ethel and Frank Peters; sister, Tina Stanard and brothers, Bruce and Larry Sawyer.

Joe was a diesel mechanic for many years and enjoyed fishing and spending time at camp. He will be remembered by his children, Joseph Sawyer Jr. (Shannon Sprague) and Brandy (Matthew) Tremblay; grandchildren, Nathan Andrew  Tremblay, Luke Sawyer Tremblay, Adam Matthew Tremblay and Sophia Ryan Sawyer; his siblings, Sally (Joe) Zella, Julie (Kevin) Dunn, Sylvia (Dave) Kasper, Amy (Harold) Russell, David (Joyce) Sawyer, Stanley (Shirley) Sawyer, Sam Sawyer, Molly Sawyer, Kitty (Nick) Aiello; sister-in-laws, Michelle Sawyer, Christine Dunham and Jody Brady; many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors; and his cat, Albert.