Seymour Taffler

Obituary: Seymour "Sy" Taffler July 3, 1927 - July 16, 2024, 97 years old

Sy had a great run and lived a life beyond his dreams. He was born to Anna and Sol Taffler in Brooklyn, NY in 1927. Sy had a difficult childhood made more difficult by the great depression. His parents, both recent young immigrants to America were without resources. His father was illiterate, making employment challenging and his mother Anna did whatever she could to make a living. At times the family was homeless - which is what shaped and drove Sy to change the trajectory that he found himself on. Sy became an electrician, and not just any electrician. He was a foreman for some of the biggest electrical contractors in NY and oversaw the installation of the elevators in the North Tower of One World Trade Center. He was thrilled to be able to take us to dine and celebrate at Windows on the World - sitting atop World Trade Center One with its expansive views of the city he loved. When we drove around New York City dad would point out all the buildings he had "wired" which included many impressive New York icons. As soon as we were old enough dad had my brother and I wiring up all sorts of gidgets and gadgets. I learned how to pull wires and install outlets before long.

Seymour was a proud 75-year member of the IBEW - (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local 3. He also taught electricity in "BOCES" NY State vocational school and mentored many apprentice electricians who stayed in touch with him until this day. Dad was also deeply involved in the civil rights movement - he slept many a night in NY schools helping to desegregate them. He was passionate about helping those who needed help. He knew what it was like to live on the edge without, food housing or medical care.

Sy lived in New York most all his life until moving to Berea, KY in 2016. Dad was a character, larger than life, crazy, wise, wonderful, ever curious, generous to friends and family. He was a lover of crossword puzzles, the stars and planets, travel, adventure, food, family and friends. After dad retired from electrical work - he avidly took up jewelry making. He worked with silver, took classes and made elegant sought-after jewelry for about 15 years. His earrings are cherished among many! He loved his family deeply. It meant everything to him. Dad was brilliant and had an exacting memory which drove everyone nuts and frustrated him in the last months of his life when it sometimes failed him. He traveled the world with his beloved "Bubbie" - Mexico, China, Africa, Alaska, New Zealand, Europe, Australia, Russia, Japan and beyond. He saw to it that his children had experiences that he did not have as a child. Material things mattered little to him. He'd wear the same things over and over again. One beloved possession was a truly ugly orange multi-colored ski hat that he wore for over 60 years, left behind for his daughter to cherish. Sy was terribly colorblind which led to many clothing issues, and hilarious moments. One of the few suits he owned was brown - but whenever he wore that suit (for over 20 years) he never matched, and looked a bit screwy - because the suit wasn't brown - it was in fact green.

Sy LOVED ice cream, chocolate and desserts. A meal was never complete until the sweets rolled out. Sy was known for hoarding certain necessities - like toilet paper and tissues, canned fruit and cookies - due we supposed to ingrained childhood fears. He loved his computer, smart phone and tablet - when he was less active, he read, played word games and listened to music. He especially loved listening to music at night and his playlist titled "Bedtime Music" was extensive. Johnny Cash, Arlo Guthrie, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, the Beatles, Neil Young, show tunes, Simon and Garfunkle, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Fats Waller and on and on. Sy felt extraordinarily fortunate to have so much in his life, which included many many friends. He often talked about his "accomplishments" and how proud he was of everything he was able to do for himself, his family and friends. His generosity was always evident in his sharing of resources, with family, friends and causes he cared about. Dad was one of the funniest, (yes, he often had me peeing in my pants from laughter) most fun, complicated, yet simple, loving, caring friend and father a daughter or that anyone could wish for.

Sy happily celebrated his 97th birthday with family and friends on July 4. On July 5th he was doing crunches on the floor - he always exercised / worked out and took care of himself. On July 6, his wires got crossed and his lights started to dim and soon thereafter passed away. He was one of a kind.

Dad will be sorely missed. He is survived by his daughter Robin Taffler and husband Dick Dougherty, grandson Casey Dougherty (Marin) and great grandson Cuan. He is also survived by the much beloved "Irish" side of the family. Dorran Dougherty and Janet Butler, Charles Dougherty, Jessica Dougherty, and Morgan Mae McClellan. Sy also leaves behind his nephew Gabriel Fox, (Tammi), and great nephews Zeke and Micah Fox, along with his relatives in Australia and recently discovered family in the UK. He also leaves behind many many friends whom he loved dearly. Sy was also deeply grateful to Tina Stamper and Norma Gadd caregivers who became part of the family and who were so kind, patient and loving.

Sy was predeceased in by his wife Elaine Taffler his "Bubbie" forever, his is parents Anna and Sol Taffler, his brother Irving Taffler, and his much adored and beloved son Jonathan Taffler. A celebration of life will be held at a later time.