Richard Truman Taylor

Richard Truman Taylor

September 04, 1945 - September 26, 2024

Richard Truman Taylor

September 04, 1945 - September 26, 2024

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 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. 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 3rd 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.

Visitation

  • Date & Time: September 30, 2024 (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
  • Venue: Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc.
  • Location: 117 Blackhawk Rd Beaver Falls, PA 15010 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (724) 846-4500

Beaver County Humane Society

  • Address: 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa PA 15001

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15 responses to Richard Truman Taylor

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  1. Hugs and prayers to Susan and Chelsea. Mr. Taylor was a great man and teacher. I learned so much from him. Even after 45 years he has always remained special to me. I will never forget the impact he made on
    My life and teaching career.

  2. All my love, prayers and support go out to you Susan and Chelsea during this difficult time! May Truman forever rest in peace, and may you find comfort in precious memories! I love you both.

  3. Jason Linta says:

    My thoughts and prayers are with the family! RTT was a great teacher! One of my favorites all time!

  4. Mr.Taylor was my 5th grade teacher at 37th street school. He was one of the best. When I ran into him in the later years at Walmart. I told him how much he meant to me so early in life. Thank you for sharing him with so many students and the impacts he made in their lives. I am forever blessed. Rest in heaven Mr. Taylor.

  5. Susan and Chelsea, what a beautiful obituary for Mr. Taylor! Prayers for your family. I was blessed to have Mr. Taylor in 6th grade for my teacher. He was fun, kind and a great teacher! I still remember his banana song.🙂. He also attended my church on College Hill.
    Chelsea you definitely were his pride and joy! Heaven is a better place with Mr. Taylor.

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