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Richard Taylor Obituary
REVEREND RICHARD L. "RICK" TAYLOR
PLAINFIELD
Former Mayor of the City of Plainfield N.J., Reverend Richard L. "Rick" Taylor passed away Friday July 31, 2009 after a long battle of complications from Agent Orange Related Diabetes. Rev. Taylor was born in Richmond VA and resided in Plainfield for more than 50 years. He served as its thirty second Mayor of the city of Plainfield N.J. from 1984 to 1990 during a time of dramatic change and challenge. He was responsible for the restoration of state aid to the City and for the creation of the city's capitol 5th enterprise zone. Richard also served his beloved Plainfield as an accomplished member of its Governing Body as First and Fourth Wards, City Councilman-at-Large and as three term City Council President. Rick graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1971 from Rutgers University of Livingston College and received his Master's Degree in City and Regional Planning in 1974 from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. He grew up in the Community Church of God under his mentor the late Rev. Burton C. Cathie. He was licensed in Christian ministry by Rev Dr. Albert Prince Rowe, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church Paterson NJ.
While serving in the United States Army 1966-68, Rev. Taylor received the following awards: Bronze Star of Valor, Purple Heart, Vietnam Combat Infantryman's Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, and Sergeant E-5(ETS Rank), member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled Veterans (DAV) American Legion and AMVETS. In 2004, Governor James E McGreevey awarded Rev. Taylor with the State's Distinguished Service Medal and Vietnam Medal.
Rev. Taylor leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 38 years, Rev. (Mrs.) Gloria McLendon-Taylor; a Son, Richard Marcus Taylor and Daughter-In-Law, Nicole T. Taylor. He is predeceased by his Mother Annie B. Taylor, brothers, Thomas Taylor and Calvin Taylor, a host of Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. He also leaves to cherish his Mother (Mother-in-Law) Annette McLendon, a Brother-In-Law, Mark McLendon Jr. III (Carmen McLendon), and a sister-In-Law, Leah Gagum (Jimmie Gagum).
Memorial Services will be held Today at Rose of Sharon Community Baptist Church, Plainfield viewing from 4-7, Community Memorial Service, 7p.m. Wednesday, August 5th Viewing 10-11a.m. and Celebration and Homegoing 11:00 a.m. Held at Cathedral International, 277 Madison Ave, Perth Amboy. Arrangements by Judkins Colonial Home. Condolences can be submitted at www.judkinscolonialhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Taylor
Roye-Ann Hargrove-Wallace
July 28, 2019
In loving memory...Rest in Peace!
Mike and Steve Campbell
August 25, 2009
To Gloria and family,
We just found out Rich had passed.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
August 20, 2009
I am just getting the news about Rick passing and I am deeply saddened. My days in Plainfield are full of wonderful memories of you and Rick. My prayers are with you and the family.
Stay forever blessed
Fred Mills and family
Myke Washington
August 9, 2009
My heart goes out to you, Mrs. Taylor and Marcus. I recall working as a college Intern for Mayor Taylor as acting public information officer and later running the karate program out of the GACC, of which Marcus was once a member. Later, as a school teacher, I appreciated Rev. Rick's help as he championed Plainfield educators' causes, oftentimes in public. May he rest in peace.
Myke Washington & Family.
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Rev. Stefanie Minatee
August 7, 2009
I will never forget Rick Taylor. He was a wonderful champion for the underprivileged and a great community organizer. I remember he and my uncle the late Donald K. Tucker sitting in meetings, organizing, fussing and discussing programming for the community. It was all about PEOPLE, and never about themselves. My first experience with the BUF building in Plainfield happened because of Rick Taylor. He left a tremendous legacy and I will miss him very much! Rest in peace Rick, and I'll see you on the other side.
SHARON HOBBS
August 5, 2009
TO THE FAMILY OF REV.RICHARD TAYLOR,, MAY GOD COMFORT SOULS AT THIS TIME..FOR YOU SEE HIM AGAIN. CHERISH THE LOVING MEMORIES.OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME.HE WAS AN VERY NICE PERSON.
Suzanne Anderson
August 5, 2009
Dear Mrs. Taylor & Marcus,
My prayers are with you both at this most dificult time. Mr. Taylor's legacy will live on forever. He made an impact on many including me. Thank you for sharing him. May God's love comfort you and keep you.
Constance (Conni) Bowman
August 5, 2009
To Taylor Family Deborah,Vanessa and Mark Taylor
As the days and weeks pass and as you return to life routine may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Prayer and Blessings
Lewis & Vida Crudup
August 5, 2009
Dear Gloria, Marcus, and Your Family,
God Be With You And Keep You In His Care. You Are In Our THoughts and Prayers.
Lewis,Vida, And The Crudup Family
Sharon Smith
August 5, 2009
To Rev. Gloria Taylor and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We know that God will continue to smile on you and sustain you - today and always.
With Sincerest Condolences,
Sharon C. Smith & The Rosa Parks High School Family...Paterson, New Jersey
Patricia Wiley (Griglak)
August 4, 2009
Sincere sympathy to the Taylor family. We were residents in Plainfield when Rick was mayor and the obituary was sent to me by Gladys Allen, a very good friend. Although we moved from the city many years ago, Rick was memorable. His dedication to improving the quality of life for the residents and willingness to give so much of himself is how I remember him. God's blessings to you all.
GEORGE JOHNSON
August 4, 2009
TO THE TAYLOR FAMILY, MAY RICKS PASSING NOT BE A SAD MEMORY , BUT,A REASON TO CELEBRATE ALL OF HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS. I REMEMBER GROWING UP WITH ( COUNTRY) ON PLAINFIELD AVE PLAYGROUND , NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE,PLAINFIELD HIGH SCHOOL,ETC,ETC,ETC AS IT IS RECORDED I AM CERTAIN THAT IT WILL BE NOTED,THAT HE WAS A STAR , A LEADER A MENTOR, A GOOD FATHER ,A LOVING HELP MATE
Julius Tajiddin
August 4, 2009
I remember Rick Taylor used to take a group of us to New York to support Rev. Al Sharpton when the Rev. first started the National Action Network. Back then NAN was operating out of a school in Harlem. "Rick" was supportive like that and would give you the shirt off his back if he thought it would help you.
Julius Tajiddin
Denise Hardy
August 4, 2009
To Gloria, Marcus, and all of the family,
"Rick's smile and laughter will always be remembered". I'm offering my deepest sympathy and praying that God grants you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
With Love and Friendship,
Denise Hardy and Family
Johnny & Peggy McPherson
August 4, 2009
To The Taylor Family,
Rick was a great friend of mine. Sorry We won't be there for his HOME GOING, but you will be in our prayers.Rick was there for me and my wife when we lost our daughter 1994,he would stop by ACTION BAILBONDS OFFICE just to say
HI..We are now living in Tampa,Fl.
Johnny and Peggy McPherson
August 4, 2009
August 04, 2009
Mrs Gloria and Family,
Our deepest sympathy to your family and the McLendons in the passing of Rev.Rick Taylor, Our close association with Rev. Taylor and his family and the McLendons was personal and business also A Friend.
God will be with you during these sad times.
Carl J Roman
Former Vice President
United National Bank
And Audrey Roman Harrisburg,North Carolina
Jeanette Wilson
August 4, 2009
I’ve known Rick during his college years at Rutgers University, no matter what distractions was going on, he kelp his mind on his purpose and goals. We met again when he called upon me to assist him in a fundraiser for then President contended Jessie Jackson. Rick was a just man, a good man and a spiritual man. I will certainly miss him.
Ginnie Walker
August 4, 2009
The Taylor Family,
Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy comes in the morning. You are in my prayers.
Frances Hill
August 4, 2009
Dear Gloria and Marcus,
My heartfelt prayers go out to you. Rick was my friend, my mentor and inspiration. I feel blessed to have been able to travel with him as he surpassed one "milestone" after another. I served as his Secretary when he was one of the founders of BEADO "The Black Elected and Appointed Democratic Officials of Union County". It was a dream that he had to bring the communities together. And he did it well. When he appointed me to the Planning Board I was honored, when he called on me to be a hostess for Jesse Jackson, I was honored, when he asked me to work with John Amos on "Dream Girls" I was honored when he called me his "campaign manager" I was thrilled. Rick will always be in my heart. God be with you and your family.
Maxine Husbands- Brown
August 4, 2009
God be with you Gloria and my love and prayers I will continue to have for you during this time of laying your husband to rest. God will provide your comfort and strength. Love, your friend, Maxine Brown (Former member of Sat.morning prayer group)
Helen Willis
August 3, 2009
Dear Gloria and Marcus,
Rick had a laugh that caused others to laugh as well. He was a clever man who loved God, his family and community. As Mayor of the City of Plainfield, he supported many programs that helped the underprivileged like Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. He will be missed by so many.
Bonnie Ruggiero
August 3, 2009
As a member of the Presbytery of Elizabeth's mission committee I worked with Rick when he was at Grant Avenue Community Center and appreciated his passion for children and for the city of Plainfield. My prayers are with you. May God give you comfort.
Rick Smiley
August 3, 2009
To Rev. Gloria and Marcus,
You have my deepest condolences.I completed my senior year Public Administration internship('85) in Mayor Taylor's office.The teaching and learning environment he created for me and many of his other interns, provided us with a love and commitment to public service.I owed Mayor Taylor a debt I never could repay. Thank you both for sharing him with me and the rest of the Plainfield community.
Irene Dasher
August 3, 2009
Dear Gloria,Marcus and Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss of our beloved hero. My children,(the Washingtons)and I will be praying for God to comfort your hearts and keep wonderful memories in your minds. Since first meeting Rick when we worked together at CAP, it was always a pleasure for me to run into him and talk about Plainfield Politics. Rick served his God, his country and surrounding communities in a great way that very few will ever be able to equal. But best of all, just think how heaven is rejoicing to receive to receive God's special messenger, Reverend Richard Taylor.
Most sincerely submitted,
Irene (Washington) Dasher
Cresta Cathcart
August 3, 2009
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family in your time of grief.Rick was a timely leader whose voice will be missed in the city of Plainfield.
Magaret Taylor
August 3, 2009
It saddens me deeply to learn of Richards passing.May God keep in his bountiful graces for all time.He will be sorely missed by all that he came in contact with.
Andrea Kee
August 3, 2009
My heartfelt condolences to Rev. Gloria and family. The Honorable Rev. Rick Taylor was a friend, listener and mentor to so many of us. He will be missed.
Roye Ann Gilmore-Wallace
August 3, 2009
Gloria and family.
Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you in in your loss of Rick. I will remember the West End Good Times and some of the political times we all shared. May he rest in peace.
prema Achari
August 3, 2009
To Gloria and Marcus
My heartfelt condolense to both of you, I worked with him during his Mayoral term in the City, he was such a nice person,friendly and considerate. he appreciated our work in the city and supported our mission.
God bless his soul and my deepest sympathy to you
Donnie Powell
August 3, 2009
To the Taylor Family,
May God's comforting Love continue to be with you all. Rev. "RT" was my friend and confidante who daily demonstrated God's strength and power. He will be missed.
SHIRLEY SCOTT
August 2, 2009
TO GLORIA AND MARCUS,WE WILL MISS OUR FRIEND (RICARDO ) MY PET NAME FOR HIM MADE IT A POINT TO SEE HIM EACH TIME WE CAME TO N.J. WHAT A JOY TO HAVE KNOWN HIM GOD BLESS YOU JOE AND SHIRLEY SCOTT SPRING HILL FL.
August 2, 2009
To the Taylor Family-I thank God for the brief time I shared with Rick at my campaign headquarters in 2006 when I was running for the Board of Ed. He truly will be missed. May God continue to strengthen you during your time of bereavement.
Sincerely,
Claudette Lovely-Brown (Plainfield)
August 2, 2009
To the Taylor Family-I thank God for the brief time I shared with Rick at my campaign headquarters in 2006 when I was running for the Board of Ed. He truly will be missed. May God continue to strengthen you during your time of bereavement.
Sincerely,
Claudette Lovely-Brown
Melande Carter
August 2, 2009
The Taylor Family;
My condolences to the family. Rick was my friend. He will always have my love and forever be remembered in my prayers. May God grant him the peace he so much deserves.
Melande
Saleem Ali
August 2, 2009
To the Taylor Family;
May God always bless and grant him paradise. My Friend, Teacher and Mentor encouraged me to pursue a good life and brougt my awareness to community service and politics. I love you Rick... Peace.. Allah u Akbar....
Saleem Ali
August 2, 2009
Gloria and Marcus,
Rick was absolutely unique--one of a kind--and we are proud to have been his friends and yours for so many years. He will be greatly missed.
Dottie & Joe Gutenkauf
Sandra Harrison
August 2, 2009
August 02, 2009,
My condolences to you and your family Gloria. You are in my prayers. Rick's leadership here in Plainfield was timely and beneficial for its residents. He will be remembered for his work.
S.D. Harrison
August 2, 2009
Dear Gloria,
I loved Rick, as you know. He was a great man, ahead of his time. The fact that he accepted me as his friend, and even confidant at times, means more to me than I can ever express. I wish I had known him "back in the day". You have my sympathy, of course, and please, if there's anything I can do for you, you know where to find me.
RIP Rick, you will be missed.
Joan E. Hervey
Jacqueline Lynch
August 2, 2009
The Taylor Family,
My deepest sympathy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Jackie Lynch
August 2, 2009
Gloria,
My deepest sympathies to you and Marcus. Rick was a good brother!
semper fi,
E. Lamar Mackson
"Snuffy"
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