Donald Eugene Sawa

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of Donald Eugene Sawa, who passed away while surrounded by loved ones on July 29, 2025. As we grieve his loss, we also celebrate the rich and loving life he lived as a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend.

Don was deeply committed to his family. As a husband and father, he was steady, supportive, and endlessly loving. He showed up for the big things and the small ones—making memories (and recording them with his camcorder), cracking jokes, and creating a home open to all whom he loved.

For the past 10 years, Don worked with pride and dedication as a maintenance engineer for White Lodging. He approached his work with integrity, always willing to lend a hand, solve a problem, or brighten someone’s day. He was proud of what he did, and even prouder of the people he worked alongside. Don and his family are forever grateful for all of the people at his work who supported him during a tough, 5-year long journey with cancer.

Don had a true passion for classic rock music and was always up for a cold beer, good laughs, and swapping stories with friends late into the night. He loved cooking, grilling and sharing food with family and friends. He welcomed everyone with open arms and wanted to bring people together.

Above all, Don will be remembered for his kindness. He treated everyone with respect, generosity, and a little bit of humor. He earned the nickname “Mr. Fix It” because he was the go-to person whenever something needed repairing. He never hesitated to lend a hand, always putting others first without expecting anything in return.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, John and Evelyn Sawa; step-father, Glenn Lancaster; step-sister, Shenna (Randy) Reeves and step-brother, Donald “Pee-Wee” Lancaster.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Dawn; his daughters, Megan (Christopher) Thompson and Melissa (Nicholas) Brun; siblings, John (Judy) Sawa, Joni (Greg) Bellow, Diana (Mark) Zulawinski, Scot (Lisa) Sawa and Crystal (Leon Betford) Lancaster; step-brother, Larry Lancaster, and a wide circle of extended family and friends who will forever carry him in their hearts.

Don’s family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends and family, and for those who reached out or visited during his final days. There will be no formal service at this time, but a memorial celebration of Don’s life will be announced in the near future.

Though we mourn his loss, we are incredibly grateful for the time we had with him—and for the many memories he leaves behind. The world is a better place because Don was in it.

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