Michael Francis Taylor

Michael Francis Taylor, 26, of Darien, CT died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 30, 2016. Michael, known to friends and family as Mike, was the son of Annmarie (Squatrito) and Francis Taylor of Darien, CT. He was raised in Darien and was a graduate of Darien High School in 2008 and Villanova University in 2012. In addition to his mother and father he is survived by his sister, Kathryn E. Taylor of Darien and many aunts, uncles and cousins living around the country. Michael was kind, witty, adventurous, sincere and generous and will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. His spirit was infectious. He could always put a smile on the faces of those around him. He loved his friends and family deeply, and considered his friends to be a part of the family. He continued his generosity through the end of his life as an organ donor. After college graduation, Michael worked in the marketing and advertising industry at Colangelo (Omnicom) in Darien, Geometry Global (WPP) in New York City, and Source Marketing (CxM) in Wilton. He had recently joined Ring's End Inc. in Darien with an interest in the marketing program there. Michael was a passionate sportsman, and could turn any activity into a competition. He was a gifted athlete. His passion was tennis and he played four years at Darien High winning a state singles title his senior year and played Division 1 tennis at Villanova. He also loved snowboarding, lacrosse, and hockey. Other hobbies included teaching tennis, boating, golfing, fishing, and travelling. While most comfortable being close to home, he had made several memorable trips with friends over the years including: South Africa and Zambia while in middle school, India on a NOLS Himalayan hiking program while in college, took an academic summer course in Greece that ended in a sailing vacation with his family, and a "cross country" drive with his best friend, Will. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral Mass on Saturday, May 7 at 12:00 noon at St. John Church (1986 Post Road, Darien). Interment will be at Spring Grove Cemetery (41 Hecker Avenue, Darien) immediately following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to: The Lighthouse Scholarship Fund, The Lighthouse, PO Box 5041, Westport, CT 06880 or Norwalk Grassroots Tennis & Education, 11 Ingalls Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854. For directions or condolences visit www.lawrencefuneralhome.com