WILTON — Rodney A. Sawtelle, 81, died at the Franklin Memorial Hospital Tuesday, July 26, with his loving family at his side.

He was born in East Wilton on July 1, 1930, the son of Roy and Georgia Gerry Sawtelle, the youngest of nine children. He attended schools in Jay and Wilton. On Jan. 29, 1955, he married Frances Riggs. For many years he worked for Red E Mix and also for E.L. Vining as a truck driver and mechanic. He was a well-known truck mechanic. In 1982 he started his own truck repair business — Rod Sawtelle’s Garage. He was a former member of the Wilton Fire Department, where he served as assistant chief. He was a generous family man and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Frances, of 56 years; one daughter, Sharon Platz and husband, Rick, of Columbus, Ga.; one son, Stephen Sawtelle and wife, Carole, of Jay; one sister, Dorothy Sawtelle, of Jay; six grandchildren, Heidi Platz, Rick Platz, Mark Fowler, Brittney Bennett, Mark Cochran, and Jason Marble; five great-grandchildren, with another due in August.

He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Caroline; and brothers, Leo, David, Woodruf, Roy, Lawrence and Reginald.

The family is thankful for the care he received at FMH, Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, Edgewood, Orchard Park, and to Linda Seabold and Dr. Hamilton.