Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1937
DIED
2019
John Taylor Obituary
November 6, 1937- May 26, 2019
Santa Cruz
John Lawrence Taylor was born on November 6th, 1937, to Jack Jay Taylor Spinelli and Dixie Henrietta Taylor. Survived by his son, John Jay Taylor & wife, Julie, & Joan Estell Mann, former wife, of Vancouver, Washington. Pre-deceased by youngest son, Michael Taylor Spinelli.
John passed on May 26th 2019 in Santa Cruz, CA, at the age of 81, following a seven-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Surrounded by his son and daughter in-law as well as long-time friends, Bart Carpenter and Bill Prather, John passed peacefully in his own bed as he desired. John made the decision to stop all treatment and to have Santa Cruz Hospice assist him in his last weeks of life.
Growing up in Richmond, California, he graduated Richmond Union High School in 1955. He entered the United States Air Force and became fireman that set the stage for his lifelong career of courtesy and service. Hired in January 1962 with the Richmond Fire Department and then testing and being hired in the San Jose Fire Department, in January 1966. John was promoted to Engineer in December 1970 and Captain in January 1974. John retired from the San Jose Fire Department on March 31,1993.
If you had John Taylor for a friend, you had the best friend one could ever ask for. His warm smile and true heart brightened any place he went. He was the real deal who never left a friend in need nor deferred to help those who needed assistance. If you asked him a question, be prepared for his heart. He will be missed by all who knew him!
John loved to fish in lakes, streams and his favorite, the Pacific Ocean! His love of the outdoors took him on many adventures and he loved sharing stories of his many adventures during his lifetime.
Donations in memory of John Lawrence Taylor can be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066
A celebration of life is scheduled for October 26th, 2019 at 318 Plateau, Santa Cruz, beginning at 2 PM and continuing until all the stories are told!
View the online memorial for John Taylor
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Taylor
Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.
3 Entries
December 17, 2019
Good friend and many fine memories, especially at the
El Sobrante Fire Department.
RIP my friend
Paul
October 26, 2019
Reat in peace my good friend, Will hoist one in your memory today.
Kevin Hope
October 18, 2019
John was my boss way back at CDF He always called a bulldozer a maintainer. John was a great guy I enjoyed that time. RIp
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in John Taylor's name
Memorial Events
for John Taylor
How to support John's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Taylor's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
