Obituary of Richard S. Taylor

Richard Sheridan Taylor, 64, passed away after a long illness on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Garnet Health Medical Center in Harris, NY.

He was born in Ellenville, NY on October 7, 1959, to the late Lois Johnson Taylor and Merritt Taylor.

As a child he traveled with his parents and they eventually settled in Guilderland, NY. Rick graduated from Guilderland HS in 1977. He met his future wife, Linda (Ackerley) in Grahamsville, in 1984 and they married in 1986. Rick worked as a Correctional Officer at Sullivan Correctional Facility in Fallsburg for 25 years, until he retired. Rick loved to hunt and fish and was a true sportsman. He was crowned King of the Open Water in 2000 at the Swinging Bridge Fishing Contest. He was a true nature lover and an expert water and snow skier. He loved his family, his pet dog and home life. He loved traveling places like Maine, Key Largo, Belize and Barbados to name a few. Rick loved boating and camping, especially in the Adirondacks and Maine. Rick passed on his love of travel, animals, and sports to his children, to whom he was devoted. Rick loved music especially Country and Rock and Roll, loving concerts and SPAC and Bethel Woods. He loved football, cold beer, and antiques.

He leaves behind his wife of 37 years, Linda, at home, his daughters Tracy (Nathan) Smith of Maine, Tara (Kurgen) of Claryville, and son Eric (Veronicka) of Texas. He is survived by his 3 sisters Margaret (Meg) White (Peter) of Massachusetts, Katherine (Kate) Martel (Jose) of Florida, and Kimberly (Kim) Foligno (Jim) of Florida, his brother-in-law and hunting buddy Donald Ackerley (Loretta) of Grahamsville, aunts Margo and Barbara of Schenectady, many close cousins, nieces and nephews, good friends and hunting and fishing buddies.

Rick was a kind and generous soul who would give the shirt off his back if you needed it. Rick was always ready to lend a helping hand. Above all Rick loved his children and family and was an excellent provider and father.

A service celebrating Rick's life will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 11:00am-1:00pm., at Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, 396 State Route 52, Woodbourne, NY 12788. There will be a Potluck gathering at the Methodist Church Hall in Grahamsville. In lieu of flowers please donate in Rick's name to the Grahamsville Methodist Church, PO Box 86 Grahamsville, NY 12740. Or the Reformed Church of Grahamsville, PO Box 238 Grahamsville, NY 12740.   

Arrangements were under the care of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home for further information please call 845-434-7363 or visit our website at www.colonialfamilyfuneralhome.com.