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WILLIAM TAAFFE Obituary

TAAFFE--William (Bill), Jr, passed at home in Henderson, NV on December 12. Born September 27, 1943 in Queens, NY. Survived by wife, Donna, son, Will, and sister, Joan Engel. Attended Oratory Prep and Seton Hall in New Jersey. Award-winning columnist, esp sports. Staff editor at New York Times sports desk more than seven years. Co-edited New York Times' anthology Sports of the Times. His pioneering TV sports column for Sports Illustrated won National Headliners Award for best national magazine column. Was also a columnist for The Washington Post, The Washington Star, and Las Vegas Review Journal. Co-authored Gimme a Break by sportscaster Warner Wolf, and Stripped with Pastor Jud Wilhite. Chaplain with Marketplace Chaplains. Celebration of Life January 6, 11am, Central Christian Church, 1001 New Beginnings Drive, Henderson, NV. In lieu of flowers, family's favorite charities available upon request.

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Published by New York Times on Dec. 22, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
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Linda Miller

December 24, 2014

Donna, I know everyday it is suppose to get easier to live without a loved one well we both know that is crazy. I miss him everytime I need a friend with wisdom and the words to share with someone. I am praying that you and Will have an awesome Christmas and God puts Merry in your hearts as you think of the love of your life. God Bless

Tom Neven

December 23, 2014

Donna,
Bill was a great influence on me and my career. He was a great writer who coached and encouraged great writing in those who worked for him.

He was a true and faithful servant who has gone on to his reward.

January 1, 2014

Dear Donna and Will,
Our deepest sympathy to you on your loss. We enjoyed the times we spent talking with Bill when you lived in Maplewood- Wayne especially, as he has always been very interested in sports.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Wayne and Joady Anderson

Christopher Coyle

January 1, 2014

Dear Donna and Will,
We are very sorry to read about Bill's passing. Our friendship over the years fondly remembered.
Love to you and Will,
Christopher and Matthew Coyle

Chris Wegner

December 23, 2013

Was a reader of Mr. Taaffee's for many years. Thank you for your excellence in journalism.

Susan Barranger Mackay

December 23, 2013

Donna, Bill was a wonderful man, and a great cousin! I will miss him. Prayers to you and Will.

Byron Day

December 23, 2013

Bill Taaffe was not only a gifted writer, but my brother in Christ.

December 22, 2013

It was my great pleasure to know and work with Bill at Sports Illustrated, where I served as editor of his TV column for a few years. A fine journalist and a fine man. Condolences to his family. -- Larry Keith, Garden City, NY

Mary-Ann Barranger

December 22, 2013

Donna Dick and I offer our deepest sympathy to you and Will. We had some nice times together. We will be with you in spirit on January 6. Dick always considered Bill his "brother". We will all miss him

stephen burton

December 22, 2013

Donna i am so sorry for your loss and i am here if you ever need anything please contact me on Facebook and i would be honored to help you. Your husband is now dancing with jesus and is free of pain. I will be praying for you and your family

Jeffrey LaSpina

December 22, 2013

Of great value is that which you leave behind here in our hearts. I thank God for his allowing our paths to cross.

Jessica mirucki (Killion)

December 22, 2013

May u rest in peace. Praying for the family.

Linda Miller

December 22, 2013

Will always remember you my friend. Love you??

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