Obituary of Richard Allan Taylor

March 24, 1948 – January 10, 2025

Richard Allan Taylor. Age 76 of Wyandotte.

Beloved husband of Denise Taylor. Loving father of Genevieve Taylor (James Czarnecki), Jared Taylor and Rebekah (Lirjon) Llusho, the late Jason Taylor and the late Sarah Taylor. Dearest grandfather of David Taylor, Laura (Christopher) Waldorf, Cara Taylor, Ava Costales, Elira Llusho, Levi Llusho and Maks Llusho. Great grandfather of Arthur Waldorf. Dear brother of Ronald Taylor and Tommy (Joanne) Taylor.

Family Tribute

Richard Taylor, or "Rich" as he was known to most, finally laid down his burdens at the age of 76, after a long and arduous battle with Lewy-Body Dementia. He leaves behind a legacy woven from love, laughter, and a lifetime of quiet strength. Born in 1948 to Mary and William Taylor, Rich grew up with a deep appreciation for family, surrounded by the love of his older brother Ron and younger brother Tom.

A graduate of Trenton High School in 1966, Rich immediately answered the call to duty, enlisting in the Army. After serving two tours in Vietnam, he was honorably discharged in 1969, bringing with him the indelible mark of his service. Returning to civilian life, Rich faced the challenges of finding employment. His resilience and strong work ethic eventually led him to a long-term position at Monsanto, where he dedicated himself to his work until his retirement in the early 2000s. Throughout his life, Rich remained deeply connected to his faith, an active member of his church community. His faith provided him with strength, guidance, and a profound sense of purpose.

In 1974, Rich and Denise exchanged vows, embarking on a lifelong journey of love and companionship. Their marriage, a testament to unwavering devotion and shared joys, would span fifty years. Rich and Denise began their journey together with Jason and Gena and added Jared, Sarah, and Becky as time went by. Life, of course, had its share of sorrows. The loss of Jason, his beloved son, had left an aching void, but the resilience of his grandchildren –Cara and David – kept his memory alive. This was followed by losing sweet Sarah, his beautiful daughter, soon after his
diagnosis.

Yet, amidst the grief, there was joy. Gena, his eldest, blossomed into a loving mother to Laura and Ava. Laura, now married to Chris, blessed them with a precious great-grandson, Arthur. Becky, the youngest, found happiness with Lirjon, their home now a vibrant tapestry of childhood laughter, filled with the sounds of Elira, Levi, and Maks.

During the last decade of his life, Rich was struck by a disease that left him struggling with even menial tasks. Once a jack of all trades and handyman to all, he became dependent to others for everything. Rich’s last moments were surrounded by those who loved him and he left knowing he would see them once again.

Though his physical presence is gone, the echoes of his laughter, the warmth of his love, the enduring strength of his faith, the spirit of adventure he shared with Denise, the memory of his unwavering resourcefulness, the enduring warmth of his humor, and the lingering scent of popcorn during a movie night would forever remain, woven into the fabric of their lives.

From the family of Richard Taylor, we ask that the next time you are wearing green, or enjoying some popcorn to think of Rich, or as we know him - Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa.