Obituary

Richard Truman Taylor, 79, beloved husband of Susan Taylor, passed away in the afternoon of Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Providence Health and Rehabilitation Center in Beaver Falls after valiantly battling Alzheimer’s disease. We have lost someone with a beautiful mind, heart, and soul.

Born September 4, 1945, in Duquesne, PA, Richard was the son of the late George Taylor and Gertrude (Miller) Taylor. Also preceding him in death are 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.

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 37^th Street School on College Hill and then 5^th grade Science at the Middle School. He loved teaching and the students not only learned from him, but he learned from them as well. To the students, he was known as RTT, “Rough Tough Taylor.”

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.

Chelsea though, was his joy. He took her to dance class for seven years, summer book readings at the BF library, Legion softball games where he was an assistant coach, gymnastics class, and cheering practices and games. He loved all of it. Anything for Chelsea.

Surviving are 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 and sister-in-law Mary Vic (Plazek) Taylor. He also has several surviving nieces and nephews: Robert (Laura) Podnar, Thomas (Shirley) Podnar, Johanna (Billy) Higgins, Maria (Shane) Belin, Caroline Taylor and Steven Taylor.

Friends will be received on Monday, September 30, 2024 from 4pm-8pm in GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC- 117 Blackhawk Rd., Chippewa Twp-www.gabauerfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

A private service will be held on Tuesday, October 4, 2024 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 3^rd floor (memory impaired unit) at Providence Health and Rehab Center. They were phenomenal and like family to us. The family would also like to thank Dr. Carl Sestito for his genuine care and immediate feedback. 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 Rd, Aliquippa, PA 15001.