Robert M. Sawyer

By
The Martha's Vineyard Times
-
9

Robert M. Sawyer of Tisbury passed away peacefully on Friday, April 4, 2025, at his home on Martha’s Vineyard. He was 87 years old. 

Robert was born in 1937 to David and Thelma Sawyer in Brookline, where he was raised with his siblings Jerry Sawyer, Sandra Kurson, and the late Kenneth Sawyer. After graduating from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he relocated to Chicago to pursue new business ventures.

Robert was a respected real estate expert, practitioner, educator, and author. He ran Sawyer Realty Group, a real estate company, in Chicago in the 1970s and ’80s, and developed numerous condominium conversion projects — some of the first of their kind in the city. One development led to a landmark court case, Sawyer vs. Jarvis, which was taken all the way to the Supreme Court of Illinois and judged in his favor — a case that has been referenced ever since in real estate education.

One of Robert’s more unique real estate developments was the structure that supports one of Boston’s most notable icons — the famous CITGO sign in Kenmore Square. For decades, he served as the owner and steward of the structure of the sign, overseeing its upkeep and ensuring that it continued to remain standing. For Boston residents, the CITGO sign is more than just an advertisement; it’s an iconic part of the city skyline, familiar to residents and Red Sox fans around the globe.

After relocating to Martha’s Vineyard in the 1980s, Robert bought the New England Spice Co. a wholesaler and distributor of herbs and spices in Dorchester, combining his business and finance skills with his love of spicy food. He also created Dukes Academy, which offered real estate education, and authored the 2008 book “Massachusetts Real Estate: Principles, Practices, and Law.”

In addition to real estate, Robert was an entrepreneur involved in many business ventures over the years. One of his last projects was creating the Barn, Bowl & Bistro, a nationally recognized restaurant and bowling alley on Martha’s Vineyard.

Robert’s greatest fulfillment came from spending time with his family and helping others. He served as a county commissioner of the County of Dukes County, consulted pro bono to help people achieve the dream of homeownership, and advocated for numerous affordable housing developments on Martha’s Vineyard. 

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kathleen (“Sam”) Sawyer; and his five children, Robert Sawyer (Marla Kushner), James Sawyer (Athena Sawyer), Kimberly Lindsey (Eric Lindsey), David Sawyer (Elizabeth Entenman), and Michael Sawyer (Talita Ferreira). He was a proud and loving grandfather to seven grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation: CCHC Foundation, P.O. Box 370, Hyannisport, MA 02601, or online at support.givetocapecodhealth.org/donate.

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9 COMMENTS

  1. My sincere condolences to Sam, Michael, David, and the rest of the clan. Bob was a brilliant man with a lot to offer. He tried to do good things. Thanks for your friendship, Bob.

  2. Bob was my first real estate teacher and was a constant source of support early in my career. I can still hear his voice and teachings when I am working my craft. He was filled with knowledge, experience and a caring that is very rare today. Godspeed Bob.

  3. This is very sad, when they moved to the island, his son David attended the Tisbury School and we became friends for a bit. I remember being at David’s home and speaking with Robert. He was a very kind, considerate and warm hearted human being.

    May he Rest in Peace

  4. Bob Sawyer was a good, generous and decent man. He was truly one of a kind. Not only did he possess a keen intellect, but he was down to earth and fun to be around. He loved his family, and he nuturtured and celebrated each one of them. Bob always had a kind thing to say about his friends, and he genuinely reveled in their success. He would do anything to help a fellow out. I am so happy that I got to know him, but I’ll just as surely miss him. May God’s peace comfort his family during this difficult time.

  6. My deepest condolences to his family. I had the pleasure of being one of his students. He was thoughtful, kind, knowledgeable and a very good storyteller. I will always remember him fondly.

  8. Sam and family, please accept our condolences on your loss. Anyone who met Bob knew instantly he was the real deal–kind, loving and he immediately wanted to know about you. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Chris and Carol Kennedy

  9. Good man – I took the Real estate course with your dad and mother many years ago. During the course my dad became very ill from cancer, and I was not in a good place and was going to drop out because i just couldn’t concentrate. Your parents convinced me to stay. I finished the course and with the help of your dad I purchased a foreclosed property and closed the deal in the fastest time in Ma history at that time. He knew I wanted to have a place for my family and did everything in his power to make it happen. I still live there to this date.

    Thanks Bob

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