Richard Truman Taylor, 79, passed away on September 26, 2024 at Providence Health and Rehabilitation Center in Beaver Falls after valiantly battling Alzheimer’s disease.
He was born on September 4, 1945, in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, the son of the late George Taylor and Gertrude (Miller) Taylor. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, George William Taylor, mother-in-law, Ann (Pavkovich) Thomas, father-in-law, Robert Sheldrake Thomas, sister-in-law, Carol (Thomas) Podnar and brother-in-law, Robert C. Podnar. He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Susan (Thomas) Taylor, daughter, Chelsea (Taylor) Navage, son-in-law, John J.Navage, precious granddaughter, Mia Navage, brother, Thomas Taylor, sister-in-law, Mary Vic (Plazek) Taylor, and nieces and nephews: Robert (Laura) Podnar, Thomas (Shirley) Podnar, Johanna (Billy) Higgins, Maria (Shane) Belin, Caroline Taylor and Steven Taylor.
Rich graduated from Duquesne High School, Slippery Rock University with a B.S. in Elementary and Secondary Education, and M.S. in Administration from Duquesne University. He taught for Big Beaver Falls Area School District at 37th Street School on College Hill and then 5th grade Science at the Middle School. He loved teaching and the students not only learned from him, but he learned from them as well. He was known as RTT, “Rough Tough Taylor,” to his students.
Rich’s father was a hand engraver, an art almost lost to technology. Studying and diligent practice resulted in him becoming a beautiful Old English hand writer. For several years Rich hand-wrote in Old English the names of the students receiving certificates of achievement awards. His students participated in The Daughters of the American Revolution annual essay contest and the pen pal program he established continued for several years. Rich contacted Joe DeNardo from WTAE-TV and the Beaver Falls Middle School was Joe’s first visit in Beaver County. After 34 years, he retired and went on to work in Lawn and Garden at Walmart for 15 years, treating customers like he would want to be treated.
Rich was a member of Big Beaver Falls Education Association, PSEA, and NEA. He was also an active member of the College Hill United Methodist Church (CHUM). Rich was a lifelong fan of the Beaver Falls tigers, Steelers, Pirates and Pens. He was also a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity, Slippery Rock chapter, where he continued to have so many great times with his brothers.
His daughter, Chelsea though, was his joy. He took her to dance class for seven years, summer book readings at the Beaver Falls Library, Legion softball games where he was an assistant coach, gymnastics class, and cheering practices and games. He loved all of it.
Friends will be received on Monday, September 30, from 4-8 p.m. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.
A private service will be held on Friday, October 4, followed by interment at St. Joseph Cemetery, New Brighton.
The family would like to thank the afternoon/evening nursing aides and RN’s on the 3rd floor (memory impaired unit) at Providence Health and Rehab Center. The family would also like to thank Dr. Carl Sestito for his genuine care and immediate feedback. They also appreciated Grane Hospice Nursing services.
The family has asked that any memorial contributions be made in Richard’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.