Obituary of Robert A. Taylor
Olean – Robert A. Taylor of S. 8th St. passed away Saturday (May 20, 2017) at his home after a long illness.
Born August 12, 1942 in Providence, Rhode Island he was the son of Arthur and Antoinette Ricci Taylor. On June 24, 1972, he married Sheilah Munson of Allegany who survives.
Robert was a graduate of Hope High School, Providence, R.I., Class of 1961. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a Radar Control Tower Operator and a Base Photographer from 1963-67. He graduated from School of the Museum of Fine Arts and received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Tufts University in 1973. After moving to Olean, NY in the early 1970's, he worked at the Olean Public Library as the Community Arts Coordinator until his retirement in 2016.
Over his lifetime, Robert volunteered extensively in the community working with organizations and projects centered around his love for the arts and his appreciation and concern for the natural world. He also enjoyed volunteering for youth hockey and skating programs, and teaching various art classes.
Robert is survived by his wife Sheilah and his two children, Garrett Taylor of Salamanca, N.Y. and Robyn Taylor of Buffalo, N.Y; four siblings, Lois (James) Lyman of Providence, R.I., Elizabeth Sabatino of Johnston, R.I., Richard Taylor of Providence, R.I. and Arthur Taylor (Robert A. Rocchio, Jr.) of Cranston, R.I.; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, brothers-in-law Michael Sabatino and Edgar Munson, and nephew Malcolm Lloyd.
The family will be present to receive friends for a memorial visitation on Wednesday (May 24, 2017) from 6-8pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Olean Public Library, 134 N 2nd St, Olean, NY, 14760, Home Care & Hospice, 1225 W State St, Olean, NY. or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.
