Obituary: H. Frank Taylor

H. Frank Taylor, 96, died May 6, 2012 in Dowling Park, Florida where he had lived since 2002. Mr. Taylor was born August 21st, 1915 in Danbury, CT, the son of Maude Taylor Hunt, and Howard W. Taylor. He graduated from Danbury High School in 1933, and worked for the Bard-Parker Corp. in Danbury as a surgical instrument supply salesman before serving with the U.S. Army during World War II. Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the army ordinance corp., he spent three years in England. Upon separation from the army, with the rank of Captain, Mr. Taylor married the former Jessie Greska, who died in 2008 after 63 years of marriage. They returned to Danbury, where he joined his father in the Capitol Machine and Switch Co. becoming the chairman of the board, and president of the company. He was known to be a generous and considerate employer. Mr. Taylor was active in community organizations, including the Rotary Club of Danbury, where he was a member for 38 years. In 1977 he was named a Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary’s highest honor, by Rotary International. He was the president of the Danbury Chapter of the American Red Cross, and a member of the board of directors of the Danbury YMCA. He was also a member of the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce, an incorporator of the Union Savings Bank, and a member of the advisory board of City Trust of Danbury. Immediately upon his retirement, Mr. Taylor moved to Deland Florida, where he enjoyed another large circle of friends, including those in the Deland Breakfast Rotary Club. He was an active boater on the St. Johns River, continuing an interest from his youth, boating on Lake Candlewood in CT. Mr. Taylor had been a 65 year member of the Masonic Order, Union Lodge 40 in Danbury until his death. Upon moving to the Advent Christian Village in Dowling Park, he joined a group of Masonic friends from many states who met regularly to remember their Masonic Heritage. Around the Advent Christian Village, he was called “Mr. Frank” because of his extreme generosity and friendly personality. Even in his final months at Good Samaritan Nursing Home, he was a well-loved patient and his many friends were constant visitors, who were saddened by his death. Mr. Taylor was a lifelong member of the Advent Christian Church, serving as treasurer of the church in Danbury, before his retirement. His faith was a paramount pillar of his life, and he was often heard to say “God is good, all the time”. Mr. Taylor was loved by many, and will not soon be forgotten. His funeral arrangements include Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Deland Florida, and a memorial service at the Village Church in Dowling Park.

Mr. Taylor was predeceased by his wife and two sons: A. Frank Taylor, and Jeffrey E. Taylor, his mother, father, and one sister, Jennie M. Barrett. He is survived by two sisters: Marion Clark, of Phoenix, AZ., and Mary Alma Siergiej (Edward) of Dowling Park Florida, one niece, Judith Flynn (Timothy), and two nephews: Edward R. Siergiej (Joanne) of Danbury CT, John F. Siergiej (Fern) of Oceanside, N.Y., and numerous grand nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at “The Village Church” in Dowling Park, FL on Tuesday, May 15th, 2012 at 11:00. Interment will be at the Oakdale Cemetery, Deland, Florida, on May 16, 2012, at 11:00. Lankford Funeral Home, in Deland is in charge of arrangements.

The family requests that friends consider a donation to Danbury Rotary, P.O. Box 788, Danbury, CT 06810, the American Red Cross, 2025 E. Street NW, Washington, DC 20006 or a charity of their choice.