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Robert Taylor Obituary
Robert Frederick Taylor, 79, retired cellist of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, passed away peacefully at his Honeoye Falls NY home on Sunday May 17, 2020 with his wife Melissa Matson at his side and surrounded by the love of his family and many friends. Preceded in death by his parents Opal (Smith) and Homer Spencer Taylor of Salem OH. Also survived by his son R. Mitchell Taylor of Port Charlotte, FL; daughter Jennifer (Leonard) Gibson of Lincolnton, GA; stepson Alexander Micciche of Asheville, NC; sister Rebecca (Bourbon) Zeigler of Cleveland; former wives Linda (Whinery) Taylor and Jane Ellen (Michael) Bleeg; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; niece Alicia (James) Costello of Cleveland; nephew Bourbon (Julie Albers) Zeigler Jr of Minneapolis, MN.
A graduate of Youngstown University (OH) (1962) and Eastman School of Music (1964), Bob taught at Youngstown University and played two seasons with the Dallas Symphony before joining the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (1968-2007). He performed frequently in chamber music concerts and was a member of the First Unitarian Church Choir. In his retirement he spent many years singing enthusiastically with Eastman-Rochester Chorus, Berkshire Choral Festival, Rochester Oratorio Society, and First Inversion. Beyond his music, Bob will be remembered for his kindness and his giving nature, his infatuation with cars, and for the vigorous attention he paid to his beautiful gardens.
A memorial service will take place at a future date. Read full obituary at RochesterCrematoriam.com. Donations in Bob's memory can be sent to the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Genesee Land Trust, or another local arts or nature conservation organization of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Taylor
5 Entries
Nancy Nurick
June 6, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Bonnie Baxter
May 28, 2020
When I was first diagnosed with MS many years ago, Bob asked me what he could do to help. At the time, our son was very young and loved the 4th movement of Beethoven's 9th. I asked Bob, who had recently retired from the Rochester Philharmonic, to bring his cello over and play the opening for us, especially for Evan. It wasn't at all what Bob had in mind. But in his open-hearted way, he did it, and it was a truly special, beautiful gift that I'll always remember.
Bob Sandholzer
May 27, 2020
Bob and I sat next to each other in the church choir. He was a very funny guy in his own quiet way. He would nudge me and show me his watch if the sermon was more than 20 minutes long. It always broke me up for some reason. I have very fond memories of Bob and extend my sincerest sympathies to Melissa.
Lynn Kinsman
May 25, 2020
Bob's music and friendly manner will be missed at First Unitarian. Melissa, my thoughts are with you now.
Jo Ann Lampman
May 24, 2020
On behalf of the current and former members of the ROCHESTER ORATORIO SOCIETY, we send condolences to wife, Melissa Matson and family and friends for the loss of Bob Taylor. Bob sang baritone with ROS, joining following his retirement as cellist with the RPO for over 40 years. He sang intermittently during the years 2008 to 2014. May he rest in peace.
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