Carl S. Sawtelle Jr.

Carl S Sawtelle, Jr.

Sawtelle, Carl S.  Jr., of Canton, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton on March 7, 2024.  He was 96 years old.  Born Salvadore Carl Sottile, Jr. to the late Salvadore Carl Sottile, Sr. and Martha (Bellamecina) Sottile, he grew up in Dorchester where he met Thelma Ramsay, whom he married in 1950 and remained married to until her passing in 2014.  The youngest of 7 children, he enlisted in the US Coast Guard during World War II at the age of 17, stationed at the Citadel on the New London Submarine Base from 1944-1946.  After separating from the Coast Guard, he used funds provided by the GI Bill to put himself through college.  He received a BA in Psychology from Suffolk University in 1951, and a master’s degree in social work from Simmons School of Social Work in 1953.  In 1953 he started his career as the first psychiatric social worker with an MSW to work at Taunton State Hospital, where he remained until his retirement.  He was dedicated to his work, and helped hundreds of people find new lives beyond the walls of Taunton State hospital. During his tenure there, he initiated the movement toward licensing social workers, earning him the distinction of the father of licensing and registration of social workers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  He received the first Social Work license in the Commonwealth. 

A proud military veteran, he was a member of the Old Dorchester VFW Post 65, representing them in the Dorchester Day and Memorial Day Parades with his brothers. 

Carl was a devoted family man, who especially enjoyed spending time with his large Italian family.  He is predeceased by his brothers Paul, Sam, and Frank Sawtelle, and sisters Mary Donovan, Stella Crosby, and Ellen Casagrande.

He is survived by Lisa J. Sawtelle of Canton and Tracy L. (Sawtelle) Bailey-Gates and her husband Shawn D. Bailey-Gates of Pocasset, MA.  Grandfather to Brian Bailey-Gates (wife Emily), Christopher Bailey-Gates, and Michael Bailey-Gates.  Great grandfather to Connor Bailey-Gates.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours from 10 a.m.- noon at Roache-Pushard Family Funeral Home, 210 Sherman Street, Canton, MA on Wednesday, March 13.   Funeral Service to follow at United Church of Christ, Canton, followed by burial at Canton Corner Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Carl’s name to the ASPCA, or animal shelter of your choice. 

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